The following describes how evenings are spent in Amish households. We might think the Amish are missing the wonders of our modern technology, but how much stronger would our family ties, our friendships, and our faith be if we copied the Amish way?

There are no dull evenings when our family is together. We don't have television or radio, but we always enjoy our evenings just the same. Being brought up without them, you just don't think about it, I guess. When we have company in the evening, the hours really speed up. During the winter, the Caroom board is often in use, as are Chinese checkers and Aggravation. Aggravation is our main game, but the menfolk and boys enjoy Caroom.

When the children were younger, my evenings were spent in front of my [foot pedal driven] Singer sewing machine. The sewing machine would be singing while everyone else was in their peaceful sleep. My mind was clear to think then. I often think of those bygone years and how a lot of evenings were spent keeping the clothes sewn for the children. Now our children have homes and children of their own. I still have two daughters who live at home. What would I do without them, especially during those cold winter months? One winter, when all of our girls except Leah were unmarried and living at home, we quilted five quilts plus several bed comforters. In the evenings, the five daughters and I wouild quilt till late. We were glad when all was completed. That's a winter I'll never forget.

Ben mostly enjoyed reading on those cold winter evenings. My daughter Lovina is also an avid reader. Otherwise, we might spend an evening washing dishes, singing songs, or yodeling. Thinking back, it was nice to have our eight children at home and in our care. Today, our married children and their families still come often for supper and to spend the evening. They know that there is always a welcome sign on our door. Life would seem dull without the children and their families.

Elizabeth Coblentz with Kevin Williams, The Amish Cook: Recollections and Recipes from an Old Order Amish Family(Ten Speed Press, 2002, 103).