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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