Introduction
When it comes to Christian traditions, one question often asked is: “Do Mennonites celebrate Christmas?” The answer is yes — but in ways that reflect their values of simplicity, humility, and devotion to Christ.
Rather than emphasizing commercial elements such as gift-giving, Santa Claus, or elaborate decorations, Mennonites focus on worship, family, music, and service to others. These practices vary across different Mennonite groups, from Old Order to modern congregations, but all share a Christ-centered approach.
This guide explores Mennonite beliefs, traditions, and differences in how Christmas is observed today.
Who Are the Mennonites?
The Mennonite faith emerged in the 16th century as part of the Anabaptist movement in Europe. Named after leader Menno Simons (1496–1561), Mennonites emphasize:
- A simple way of life
- Peace and nonviolence
- Community and service
- Faith and humility
As historian Steven Nolt explains in A History of the Amish (2015), Mennonite traditions developed in contrast to state churches, leading to a distinctive emphasis on modesty, separation from worldliness, and a communal faith practice.
Do Mennonites Celebrate Christmas?
Yes — Mennonites celebrate Christmas as the commemoration of Jesus Christ’s birth. However, their observances differ from mainstream practices.
Instead of focusing on materialism, many Mennonites mark the holiday with:
- Church worship services
- Bible readings of the nativity story (Luke 2)
- Congregational hymn singing
- Simple family meals
- Acts of service and generosity
The emphasis is less on outward displays and more on spiritual reflection, family bonds, and Christ-centered devotion.
Mennonite Beliefs About Christmas
Mennonite approaches to Christmas flow directly from their core values:
- Simplicity Over Materialism: Mennonites avoid excessive decorations and consumer-driven gift exchanges. As noted by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), many congregations prioritize charitable giving over consumer spending.
- Christ-Centered Focus: The holiday serves as a reminder of God’s gift to humanity. Mennonites often gather to read the nativity story, pray, and reflect on Christ’s teachings.
- Family and Community First: Christmas is an opportunity to strengthen family ties and extend hospitality, often through shared meals and community outreach.
Mennonite Christmas Traditions
While practices differ, certain customs are common across many Mennonite groups:
- Church Services: Christmas Eve or Christmas Day services feature scripture readings, prayers, and hymns. The Mennonite Hymnal and Voices Together (2020) are widely used in worship.
- Singing Hymns and Carols: Mennonite communities are known for rich a cappella singing traditions. Favorites include Silent Night and traditional Mennonite hymns.
- Simple Meals: Families gather for hearty but modest meals. Classic Mennonite dishes include borscht (beet soup), zwieback (two-knob bread rolls), vereniki (dumplings with cream gravy), and platz (fruit-topped coffee cake), as documented in the Mennonite Community Cookbook (Mary Emma Showalter, 1950).
- Acts of Service: Many congregations dedicate the season to service projects. The MCC Christmas Giving campaign often channels funds to global relief efforts instead of lavish holiday spending.
- Minimal Decorations: Some Mennonites may display a nativity set or candles, while Old Order groups typically avoid decorations altogether.
Differences Among Mennonite Groups
Not all Mennonites celebrate Christmas the same way.
- Old Order Mennonites: Very conservative, with little or no decorations, no Santa Claus, and minimal outside influence. Worship and simplicity define their observance.
- Conservative Mennonites: Celebrate with church services, hymn singing, family gatherings, and simple foods.
- Modern/Progressive Mennonites: Some incorporate cultural practices such as modest gift-giving or small Christmas trees while keeping Christ at the center.
This diversity shows that Mennonite Christmas celebrations are not uniform but vary depending on tradition, geography, and cultural context.
Other Holidays Mennonites Observe
Beyond Christmas, Mennonites recognize other Christian holidays and observances:
- Easter: Central to Mennonite theology, celebrating Christ’s resurrection.
- Thanksgiving: A time of gratitude, often linked with food, family, and community sharing.
- Service Days: Days set aside for relief work, volunteering, or mission outreach.
These observances also reflect the Mennonite emphasis on faith, humility, and service.
Final Thought
So, do Mennonites celebrate Christmas? Absolutely — but in ways that highlight their core values of faith, simplicity, family, and service rather than consumerism.
Their traditions remind us that the holiday is not about extravagance, but about living out Christ’s message through love, humility, and generosity.
FAQs About Mennonite Christmas Traditions
1. Do Mennonites give gifts at Christmas?
Yes, but gifts are usually simple and practical, often homemade.
2. Do Mennonites put up Christmas trees?
Some modern Mennonites may have small trees, but Old Order groups generally avoid decorations.
3. Do Mennonites celebrate Christmas Eve?
Yes, many congregations hold evening worship services with hymns, scripture, and prayer.
4. What foods are common at a Mennonite Christmas?
Popular dishes include borscht, zwieback, vereniki, roast meats, and fruit platz.
5. Do Mennonites celebrate other holidays?
Yes — Easter, Thanksgiving, and special days of service are widely recognized.
