Preparation for Christmas starts very early in Ireland. It is a special time, that's why the first Christmas decorations can be seen in shops or on the streets of Irish cities and towns with the beginning of November. It is worth taking a closer look at the most popular Christmas traditions, which are practiced in this country, for they are slightly different from these, which are known in Poland.
How are the preparations for Christmas in Ireland?
Christmas is one of the most family celebrations of the year. The Irish attach great importance to this, to spend them surrounded by loved ones. Preparations for this event allow you to feel the Christmas atmosphere much earlier. Not only the first decorations appear, but also collecting gifts and sending Christmas cards to relatives, and other family members and friends. The most intense preparations begin 8 of December, when the Irish crowd to the shops. In the Catholic Church it is the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, which begins a period of joyful waiting for the birth of Jesus. Christmas trees and other decorations appear in many homes. Decorative wreaths are hung on the front door, one of the most important elements of which is holly. This plant and the wren bird, are one of the most important symbols of Christmas in Ireland.
How the Irish spend Christmas Eve?
Christmas Eve, or 24 December is a normal working day in Ireland. It is time, where you can do your last shopping, and also choose gifts, which will be under the Christmas tree. It is also a tradition for the youngest family member to light a candle, which is placed on the window. Socks also hang, in which Santa will put gifts. According to tradition, children should also leave a glass of milk, cookies and carrots for the reindeer. If they disappear, means, that the house was visited by St.. Santa Claus and you can open gifts. Many Irish people go to church for Christmas Mass on Christmas Eve, which are usually held at midnight. It is the equivalent of the Polish shepherdess.
Christmas in Ireland - what it looks like?
Christmas is time, which people in Ireland want to spend with their loved ones. Christmas morning is the time to unpack gifts left overnight by Santa. It is also a tradition to participate in the Holy Mass, if you did not attend the Christmas Eve. It is the day, in which it is not appropriate to visit, that is why it is spent in the comfort of your own home surrounded by your loved ones.
The festive Christmas dinner usually consists of two dishes. The first is the soup, and the second most often served is turkey or baked ham. They are served with seasonal vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, bean, broccoli and carrots. A must-have addition is fried or stewed potatoes. A traditional Irish dessert served at Christmas dinner is Christmas Pudding. It is made of fruit served with cream or pudding. After a hearty meal, Irish people prefer to relax in front of the fireplace or the Christmas tree, watching Christmas movies and spending time with your loved ones.
The second day of Christmas is also very important for the Irish. It is St. Stephen's Day. The most famous tradition, which has now disappeared and is practiced mainly in rural areas, is the so-called. wren hunting. According to the records, this bird was to reveal the hiding place of St.. Stephen, by which he was executed. This event gave rise to the tradition of wandering around the nearby houses of young boys, who go door to door, caroling. It is also a tradition to reward people on this day, which services are used throughout the year, such as postmen, dairies or garbage collectors.
In Ireland, the Christmas season lasts until 6 January, that is, the Feast of the Epiphany. On this day, women are rewarded for their efforts to prepare for Christmas.
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Additional Christmas Traditions and Customs in Ireland
Preparations for Christmas
In Ireland, preparations for Christmas start much earlier than in many other countries. At the beginning of November you can see Christmas decorations in shops and on the streets. Many families start collecting gifts and sending Christmas cards to loved ones, which creates an atmosphere of anticipation for the upcoming holidays.
Christmas Decorations
Traditional Irish decorations include more than just Christmas trees, but also decorative holly wreaths, which are hung on the door. Holly symbolizes joy and hope, and its presence in homes is an integral part of Irish holidays.
Christmas Eve and St. Nicholas Day Traditions
Christmas Eve, even though it is a working day, has its own unique traditions. In addition to lighting a candle by the youngest family members, children also prepare stockings for Santa Claus. They also leave a glass of milk and cookies, and for the reindeer, carrots. This is a beautiful way to build the magic of Christmas among the youngest.
Christmas Dishes
Traditional dishes cannot be missing during Christmas dinner. In addition to turkey and baked ham, dishes such as::
- Brussels Sprouts (Brussels sprouts) – a popular vegetable on the Irish table.
- Roasted Potatoes (baked potatoes) – a mandatory addition to every dinner.
- Christmas Pudding – rich dessert with dried fruit, often served with brandy sauce or cream.
Saint Stephen's Day
The second day of Christmas is a time for family meetings and the tradition of "wren hunting". The boys wander from house to house, singing carols and collecting small donations. It's a beautiful custom, that connects local communities and reminds us of community values.
Christmas Season
The Christmas season in Ireland lasts until... 6 January, when is the Feast of the Epiphany celebrated? (Epiphany). On this day, women are often rewarded for their efforts in preparing for the holidays, which emphasizes their role in family traditions.
Christmas Events and Festivals
Many cities organize Christmas markets and festivals, that attract residents and tourists. You can find local handicrafts there, delicacies and warm drinks, which creates a unique atmosphere of joy and community. Adding this information will allow readers to better understand the richness of holiday traditions in Ireland and their unique nature. Such content can also attract more attention and interest from readers looking for information about Irish Christmas customs.
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