It's no secret that I love Christmas. I love the movies, I love the books, I love the traditions. I love it all. Even as a child, I found myself fascinated with how people around the world celebrated Christmas...particularly those countries where my ancestors came from like Germany and Ireland! To me, Ireland has always been most fascinating and is one place that I would truly love to visit one day! So, I wanted to learn a little more about what a traditional Irish Christmas might look like! Today I'm sharing a few of those traditions with you!
Nollaig Shona Duit
Pronounced no-leg hun-na ditch, this traditional Gaelic greeting means simply 'Happy Christmas to you'.
Daidà na Nollag
In Ireland, Santa Claus is known as Santy or Daidà na Nollag. Just as he does here in America, Santy brings gifts that are to be opened on Christmas morning.
A Candle in the Window
Placing a candle in the window on Christmas Eve night is a an old custom that many continue to observe even today. This candle is said to be a sign of welcoming to weary travelers and those far from home- just as Mary and Joseph were on that first Christmas night.
Holly Wreaths on the Doors
Traditionally, holly was a common decor in Ireland because it was in abundance at Christmastime and allowed even those without much money to be able to decorate their home. It is still popular in decor today.
Christmas Mass
With it's high Catholic population, Midnight Christmas Mass is a large part for many in Ireland. They also celebrate other traditions popular in the Catholic Church such as advent.
Women's Christmas
This day- also known as Little Christmas or Feast of the Epiphany - falls on January 6th and is the official end of the holiday season. Traditionally on this day, the men of the house would take over household responsibilities while the women could relax and enjoy their day. It seems that this tradition has died out some even in Ireland... but it's certainly one tradition I would love to see brought to America!!
Of course, these are just a few of the many varying traditions celebrated in Ireland. Just as our American traditions, these can still vary greatly from family to family. One thing is for certain though, you cannot have an Irish Christmas without Irish Christmas music!
Joy: An Irish Christmas is a beautiful choice! Check it out:
Join modern hymn writers Keith and Kristyn Getty for this one-night, live recording from their annual Joy: An Irish Christmas tour. This album showcases fresh and extended arrangements of popular Christmas songs, as well as eight new carols that tell the Christmas story like none other.
Track List
O Come Redeemer of the Earth
God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen
Here We Come A-Wassailing
A Mother’s Prayer
Carol of the Bells (with Young Tom Ennis Jig)
Wexford Carol/Magnificat
How Suddenly a Baby Cries
Joy Has Dawned (with Angels We Have Heard on High)
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing (with GreenGrass Reel)
Sleigh Ride (with Christmas Eve Reel)
Deck the Halls
Wonder
O Children Come
Come Ye Sinners
In Christ Alone
Joy To the World
Irish Christmas Blessing
Go Tell It on the Mountain
Have I ever mentioned that I love Christmas music? Well, I do! I'd go as far as to say its one of my favorite genres! This CD was a fun new addition to my collection. I love hearing some of my favorite traditional Christmas songs like Carol of the Bells and Hark! The Herald Angels Sing in this beautiful Irish style! There is just something so beautiful about Irish music, isn't there? I could listen to it all day long. So, my favorite Christmas songs PLUS an Irish spin... a match made in heaven for me! But it wasn't just Christmas classics, there were plenty of new songs to fall in love with as well! One of my favorite songs on the album actually wasn't much of a true holiday song at all- A Mother's Prayer! This is a song that every mom is going to love and want to sing to their own children... its beautifully written, beautifully sung and well, just plain beautiful. This truly is a great album and a must have to give your Christmas a little bit of Irish flair! I cannot wait to listen to it more throughout the holiday season!
Joy: An Irish Christmas is available to purchase at Family Christian.
You can find more great Christmas music and connect with Family Christian at the links below:
Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FamilyChristian
Follow on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/familychristian/
Like on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FamilyChristian?ref=bookmarks
Follow on Tumblr: http://family-christian.tumblr.com
Follow on Instagram: http://instagram.com/familychristian
And one very lucky reader is going to win a copy for themselves. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Winner will be contacted via e-mail after giveaway ends, and will have 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. One entry per household, winning entry will be verified. Odds of winning depend on valid entries received. A Modern Day Fairy Tale is not responsible for prize delivery
Love the kids toys!! Like the Balance Boat Endangered Animal Puzzle :)
ReplyDeleteI always love the inspirational mugs and would maybe like to get an ESV Journaling Bible.
ReplyDeleteI also like their All Things Great and Small 2-in-1 Floor Puzzle for kids.
ReplyDeleteI love the Nativity by Willow Tree. I have some Willow tree pieces and this set is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWe love the Imagination Station books.
ReplyDeleteHappily Ever After Adventures: 5-DVD Collection.
ReplyDeleteSo much to love and so much to want. Love the books, of course, the gifts, the stationary, the cards. Love, love, love
ReplyDeleteAnother item that I like is the This House Believes in Jesus Plaque
ReplyDeleteI also like the rustic nativity set from their site-
ReplyDelete