Page 10 of The Christmas House
Once Mamm retired to her room for the evening, Liz was amazed to learn from her sister the lengths she had gone to that day, preparing for Mamm’s upcoming surprise gathering.
Reuben’s wife, Gracie, had come by to pick Mamm up for much of the day, and while Liz had been busy with Saturday tours, Martha Rose had secretly baked all the goodies, as well as aired out the kitchen before Mamm’s return.
She’d even wrapped up and hidden the pies and chocolate bars downstairs in the cold cellar to keep them fresh.
Liz wished she’d been able to do more than just contact some of Mamm’s sisters and make sure the kitchen and front room were redded up.
“You’re really determined for this to be a surprise,” she said.
And Martha assured her that the Sisters Day get-together had something in store beyond just some cheering up and eating baked goods.
“You’ll see,” Martha told her with a sly expression on her pretty face.
Snow flurries seemed to hang in the air as they floated down, and they continued through Monday breakfast and the noon meal. Strangely, Mamm kept looking out the kitchen windows as she swept the floor while Martha and Liz washed and dried the dishes.
“According to the paper, there won’t be any snow accumulation,” Liz told Mamm. “Reuben and Henry should easily be able to get here to work in the barn.”
“I sure hope so,” Mamm replied. Her hair came to a slight widow’s peak beneath her pressed white prayer Kapp, and she looked well rested. Liz noted she was wearing her plum-colored dress and black cape and apron.
Why is Mamm dressed up?
Mamm’s eldest sister, sixty-four-year-old Nellie Ann, was the first to arrive that afternoon, carrying a large wicker basket of craft items—ribbons and small spools of wire and whatnot.
Her white-gray hair was accentuated by her black dress, cape, and long apron.
Fortunately, Mamm was upstairs when she arrived, and Liz and Martha Rose welcomed their aunt into the utility room, where she hung up her black coat, scarf, and outer bonnet.
Shortly after, the rest of the sisters and sisters-in-law came in, all of them having parked their buggies behind the barn, out of sight. Quickly, Martha Rose ushered all nine of them into the front room, where they sat as silent as the snow in their best black or blue dresses, capes, and aprons.
When Mamm descended the stairs, they all called out, “Surprise!” with Nellie Ann clapping and grinning.
Mamm smiled sweetly, then started to laugh when she spotted the wicker basket holding red and green decorations. “Ain’t Christmas already ... is it?”
This brought titters all around.
“Thought we could have a nice time makin’ candle rings for ourselves for Christmas,” Nellie Ann offered, smiling at Liz. “And some extras, as well.”
Ah , the surprise Martha hinted about , thought Liz, delighted indeed.
Martha excused herself to go and put several leaves in the kitchen table, since doing so earlier would have spoiled the surprise. Mamm’s two younger sisters made haste to join her in the kitchen.
The afternoon was filled with happy interactions, talk of Thanksgiving plans and the annual Christmas program at the schoolhouse, as well as generous servings of Martha Rose’s pies and chocolate bars.
Each woman seemed to enjoy creating two red-and-green-ribboned candle rings with Aendi Nellie Ann’s instructions, and some made more for gifts.
Meanwhile, Mamm seemed none the wiser as to the real reason for the get-together.
Liz did notice there were a few hushed remarks about the Christmas House and all the commotion already going on over there. “Just think of the backup on the roads yet again,” someone grumbled.
“The more decorations, the less focus on Christ,” declared another.
Uneasy, Liz tried not to listen.
That evening, Liz and Martha Rose talked privately in Liz’s room, glad Mamm hadn’t asked any questions about the homemade pies and sweet bars, or why only her close female relatives had come over.
“It wonders me why Mamm dressed up, though,” Liz said.
“Maybe she was tipped off, but who’d want to spoil the surprise?”
“It was such a nice time, and Mamm’s spirits were lifted. That’s what matters.” Liz paused. “It’s possible she did know ahead of time and played along so none of us would be disappointed.”
“Hard to say.” Martha hugged her. “Sweet dreams, sister.”
After Martha left the room, Liz picked up the pretty candle rings she’d made, turning them over and admiring them. Christmastime will soon be here , she thought, knowing how bustling the local Amish shops would become, as well as her own buggy tour business.
She unpinned her bun and let her chestnut-brown hair fall to her waist, brushed it for a while, then dressed for bed.
She outened the gas lamp and slipped under the quilts, then said her silent rote prayer, ending with a request for Dat and Adam’s safe return .
.. and for God to reveal His plan for her life.
I yearn to know Thy will , O Lord.
On her way to work the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, Liz wondered how she would feel seeing Matt. After our visit last time , does he still think of me merely as a coworker?
She directed King into the parking lot with the touring carriage and saw Matt sitting in the wood structure. As usual, his insulated lunch bag and the black grooming tote were at his side. He waved and got up to come over to her.
“You’re early,” she said, tying the horse to the hitching post.
He chuckled. “So are you.”
Last Saturday , we arrived early and stayed later , she thought, falling into step with him as they headed toward the hardware store. In the break room, they had coffee, and Onkel Joe popped his head in to say “hullo” but didn’t stay around.
“I discovered somethin’ interesting, Liz.” Matt took a sip of his coffee. “My Dat told me that we’re related to one of your preachers here in Hickory Hollow.”
“Must be Preacher Yoder,” she replied as she stirred sugar into her coffee. “He’s in his eighties by now, I think, but he still preaches occasionally. He can’t stand for too long anymore.”
“Turns out he’s Dat’s cousin somewhere down the line.” Matt drank more of his coffee, then set his mug down. “A fine, godly man who has only gut things to say ’bout your church district.”
“Well, it’s a gut place to live,” she said. “And apart from the hubbub over the Hyatts’ Christmas decorations, we’re a fairly contented bunch.”
“Speakin’ of that, the first buggy tour to the Christmas House is comin’ up soon.” Matt’s eyes brightened.
Liz nodded. “My cousin Roy says the Christmas tour reservations are nearly full.”
By the time they finished their coffees and headed outdoors, two cars were already parked in the lot, so Liz picked up her pace. Ach , we lost track of time talking ... again.
The day seemed to fly by, and with the holiday near at hand, passengers were especially curious about Amish Thanksgiving traditions.
Liz explained that she and her family either attended a wedding on Thanksgiving Day or enjoyed a big meal and spent the afternoon playing board games and singing together.
“But the main focus is on giving gratitude to God for the bountiful harvest and for every small blessing, too.”
Without missing a beat, Matt added, “Some of my Amish relatives in Clark, Missouri, attend church on Thanksgiving Day. Other groups in different states have a benefit dinner to raise money for their schools.”
Liz appreciated his contribution. “I know of Amish in Kentucky who have a Widows Supper on Thanksgiving evening, which I think is real nice,” she said.
Momentarily, the passengers talked quietly amongst themselves before one of them asked, “Is turkey the main Thanksgiving entrée for an Amish family?”
Liz said it was. “Actually, Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners are very similar, and a lot of the side dishes and desserts we serve would be like what your families enjoy—mashed potatoes and gravy, and pumpkin or pecan pie for dessert. Some of my dessert favorites are angel food cake and homemade Reese’s bars. ”
Glancing at her, Matt joked, “Anybody hungry?”
The passengers laughed, and a woman said, “How can I get invited to an Amish Thanksgiving dinner?”
“There are Amish folk in the area who offer dinners in their homes for a price,” Liz said, “just not on Thanksgiving, as you can understand.”
“Is that information found online?” the woman asked.
“ Jah , just go to the Discover Lancaster website.” Liz always felt funny about sharing such things, as if she were well-versed in the cyber world. Quite the opposite!
Matt gave her an encouraging smile, and she soaked it right up.