Irish Christmas Traditions (even in crisis time!!) Ireland, like most countries, has a number of Christmas traditions that are all of its own. Many of these customs have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion were being suppressed and it is perhaps because of that they have survived into modern times. Irish Christmas is more religious than a time of fun.

Candle in the window The placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas eve is still practiced today. It has a number of purposes but primarily it was a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph as they travelled looking for shelter. A further element of the tradition is that the candle should be lit by the youngest member of the household and only be extinguished by a girl bearing the name 'Mary'.

Wren Boys Procession For children is their big event. Children go from door to door with a fake wren in a stick, singing and asking for money “for the starring wren” but it is for their own pockets

It is not the typical view of Sant Claus and his reindeer sleigh as in USA. In Ireland he always goes with his team It’s a tradition to leave mince pies and a bottle of Guiness out as a snack for Sant Claus. Sant Claus and his team of Elves

Holly Wreaths A holly wreath remains a popular front-door adornment and dates back to the days when most of our ancestors would have decorated their home with this freely available plant. Hung heavy with berries, the red and glossy green sprigs were a sure way to make festive even the humblest of homes.

Nollaig Shona Duit! TRADITIONAL GAELIC SALUTATION The Gaelic greeting for 'Merry Christmas' is: 'Nollaig Shona Duit'......which is pronounced as 'null-ig hun- a dit'. HAPPY CHRISTMAS!