Christmas in Ireland is always a big event for the Irish. They take advantage of the opportunity to celebrate Christmas with their families, to celebrate the advent of Christ in the Christian tradition (let’s not forget that the Irish are very religious), and to offer numerous gifts to their loved ones around a fine table and a good meal. Here’s a round-up of the main Irish Christmas traditions…
Christmas in Dublin – Sebastian Dooris – cc
Christmas in Ireland is celebrated in 2 stages. And it starts with what the Irish call “The Little Christmas”. This first period runs from December 12 to 24, and is the perfect time to start preparing for Christmas, by decorating doors with a wreath of holly, adorning a tree with baubles and garlands… etc.
On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, the Irish go to the pub to drink a few pints of Guinness with friends and family. It’s a great place to chat with adults and children, watch hurling matches, and enjoy pies, beers and mulled wine to warm up from a cold winter’s night on New Year’s Eve… And all to music, of course!
Local musicians gather in pubs to play carols and other traditional Irish tunes, until the clock strikes mass time. Many families hurry home, leaving a glass of whisky for Santa, and a few raw carrots for his hungry reindeer.
Then the Irish leave their homes for the churches, chapels and cathedrals, to attend mass. The ceremony lasts a good hour and a half on average, and is an opportunity for the faithful to pray and honor Christ.
A Christmas Turkey – Timolina
The next day, the family presents gifts to the children and their loved ones to show their affection… Then comes the Christmas meal, which is often very hearty and not served until late afternoon, around 2pm, after the presents have been opened. Particularly rich, the Irish Christmas meal generally consists of turkey (Christmas Turkey), spiced beef and ham.
And let’s not forget the traditional desserts, featuring the famous “Plum Pudding” and “Mince Pies” served with rum. During the meal, the Irish traditionally light a candle in the window of their home, in honor of Mary and Joseph. (Remember that the Irish are very religious).
It is customary for the youngest member of the household to light the candle, and for the candle to be extinguished only by someone called Mary.
December 26th is also a public holiday in Ireland, known as Stephen’s day: a day to prolong the fun by watching a few horse races, taking a few bets, having a few drinks in the pubs and listening to hymns sung by choirs in the streets.
Thin magpies – Alex9500
In Ireland, there are many dishes concocted for Christmas. Simple to make, delicious and convivial, these specialities are enjoyed with the whole family, on a pretty table, with a few tunes playing, and the joyful laughter of children who have just unpacked their parcels…
When it comes to alcohol, the Irish are a classic bunch, and like to uncork the occasional bottle of wine, or enjoy a good Irish Whiskey. As an aperitif, they’ll naturally prefer a local beer or fresh cider…
There are plenty of traditional dishes to choose from, although most Irish people prefer Christmas Turkey, or some fish and seafood (smoked salmon and oysters, for example).
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