Christmas Eve family and friends are gathered together inside of your well appointed home; filled with warm and welcoming Amish custom built furnishings. The fireplace is burning a with an amber glow, friends are cozy on your sofa, delicious holiday treats are spread out in a buffet on your solid wood dining room set and you are nestled in your leather Morris chair while all the children play at your feet. Now what? Why not share some of the world’s favorite Christmas stories? Whether you have them in a handsome leather bound edition displayed on your custom built Amish bookcase or you are an ultra-contemporary who has turned your laptop into a digital reader, reading aloud classic Christmas stories and poems builds lasting traditions that are remembered, shared and passed on for generations.

TOP CHRISTMAS TALES TO SHARE THIS CHRISTMAS EVE:

• A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

Legend has it that author Charles Dickens’ story, “A Christmas Carol” may have saved Christmas. In 18^th century England, Christmas celebrating was fading from tradition. Dickens wrote the story of stingy, unlovable and very angry, Ebenezer Scrooge, to teach readers that Christmas was a time of joy, respect for their fellow man, and also a time when everything that seemed wrong all year now seems all right. Supposedly he rekindled the season, along with the traditional tree and gift giving. (All ages will benefit but younger children may be frightened of tales of ghosts)

• The Gift of The Magi by O. Henry

Through this unselfish tale, O. Henry tries to teach us about gifting. He believes the young couple in the story has each sacrificed their most valuable possessions for the person they loved. They, like the Magi – the wise men who brought presents for Jesus Christ at his birth – represent giving your best to those you love even at a loss to yourself. This type of gifting was the original idea behind Christians giving presents on Christmas Day, representing the Magi’s gifts to Jesus. (This is a very good story for young adults and couples)

• How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss

This story was not just a movie by Ron Howard but a book by Dr. Seuss. This story shows that you can take away the presents and the trees and still have the Christmas spirit. (Great for all ages, but especially for those who may be feeling a bit out of the spirit.)

• The Night Before Christmas (A Visit from Saint Nicholas) by Clement Clarke Moore

Clement Clark Moore is responsible for Santa Claus as we know him. Graphic artist Thomas Nast’s wife would read him Moore’s poem while he designed the covers for Harper’s Weekly that came to depict the jolly old elf as Moore described him. (While adults may recite it from memory, children adore this poem.)

• Excerpt from “The Holy Bible” Book of Luke Chapter 2

When you are looking for a reason for the season you are celebrating there is no better source than the original author and book. Here Luke lays out the birth of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem the town of David. (This story is perfect for all ages.)

• Olive the Orphan Reindeer by Michael Christie

Now, of course, everyone knows Olive the other reindeer and thanks to this contemporary tale of an orphaned reindeer you can find out who “Olive” is. (Especially good for younger audiences.)

• The Three Kings by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

This poem is a classic view of the trek of the three Magi, that legend has named Melchior and Gaspar and Baltasar, looking for the Messiah they had seen foretold in the stars. (This is an American classic poem and great for any audience.)

• Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus by Editorial Page, New York Sun, 1897

A real letter from an eight-year old girl was generated to the editor of the New York Sun that resulted in one of the most eloquent editorial replies in history. (This is appropriate for all audiences.)

Enjoy your Christmas Eve by sharing yourself, your home and a great story. As wonderful an heirloom as your Amish custom furniture will be, there is nothing that can improve upon the heirloom memories your Christmas reading will create.  

With modern day fuel prices raising to record heights it is hard to believe that fuel conservancy ever affected communities like the Shakers and the Amish. Even a group of people who never relied on modern vehicles were and are concerned about the cost and waste of fuels for heating and running machinery. With a potential energy crisis looming as certain as winter everyone is concerned about heating costs. Clean burning and warming fireplaces like the ones available through the Amish are now being sought after as reliable alternative heat sources.

The Shakers were a thrifty group who did not even waste a dropped needle. Ecologically green before it became in vogue and always prudent with resources the Shakers were grateful and good stewards of what they believed God gave them. In the 1800’s wood was their primary fuel and although plentiful and renewable they were not prone to wasting it. Every shaving from the carpenter’s floor in the furniture workshops were gathered and turned into valuable kindling. Not even a scrap went to waste with the frugal Shakers. Even the machinery they created to help with daily tasks had to be fuel efficient. From wood burning barrel stave machines to steam powered washing machines fuel had to be inexpensive and renewable for the resourceful Shakers.

The Amish have traditionally heated their home with wood also, although some have converted to gas. Central heating is viewed by the Amish as a very wasteful luxury. Since the stoves are usually in the living room quite often the bedrooms, located upstairs and away from the stoves, get fairly cold in winter. The ever famous Amish quilt certainly comes in handy on those cold mornings.

Mission, Shaker, Arts and Crafts, Rustic or Modern Contemporary decors can all benefit from a beautiful fireplace designed with energy efficient electrical flames and heating units by Dimplex and brought to you by the Amish. The beautiful hypnotic electronic flames please the eye and feed the senses while warming the environment and saving money by heating the room you are in instead of the whole house. These beautifully encased fireplaces are not only energy efficient 4,600 BTU heaters but are visually good for the soul. These fireplaces are available for your winter relaxation in beautifully crafted oak or cherry. Never clean up a messy wood burning fireplace again and enjoy a convenient remote control from the seating on your solid wood framed Mission sofa from the Amish.