James Schwartz was raised Amish and offers two memories from childhood Christmases.
“Amish Christmas Tree”
Why can’t we have a Christmas tree?
That is not for Our People, Mom explains.
I beg until she cuts a tree from cardboard,
Spray painting it gold.
We cut up Hallmark cards,
Decorating its boughs.Together.
“Coffee Soup”
Pour mug of freshly brewed coffee into bowl.
Add creamer / sugar to taste.
Saltines optional.
Side of cheddar optional.
Served since my childhood.
Amish kitchen optional.
Originally published in Arrival & Departure (2014, Writing Knights Press) and used by permission. Find out more about James Schwartz’s upbringing in his story Hardwood: My Pioneer Upbringing and Queering the Old Order.
Photos courtesy of the author.
See other Remember When…Holiday stories:
Christmas Corners and Lightshows
How My Husband (and Chinese Takeout) Saved Christmas Eve
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