Irish Christmas Holidays 2018: Traditions And Celebrations

The Irish Christmas holidays are a time of great joy and celebration in Ireland. The country has a rich tradition of Christmas festivities, which are deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage and cultural identity. In this article, we will explore the various traditions and celebrations that take place during the Irish Christmas holidays in 2018.

For many Irish people, Christmas is a time to reconnect with family and friends, and to enjoy traditional foods, music, and activities. The festive season officially begins on December 8th, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and continues until January 6th, the Feast of the Epiphany.

Traditional Irish Christmas Foods

Traditional Irish Christmas foods play a big role in the celebrations. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Roasted turkey with stuffing and gravy
• Baked ham with a honey-glazed crust
• Mashed potatoes with carrots and parsnips
• Green vegetables such as Brussels sprouts and cabbage
• Christmas pudding with brandy butter

These dishes are often served on Christmas Day, which is the main day of celebration in Ireland.

Irish Christmas Desserts

Irish Christmas desserts are also a big part of the celebrations. Some popular desserts include:

• Christmas pudding: a rich, fruity pudding made with dried fruit, nuts, and spices
• Mince pies: small, sweet pastries filled with dried fruit and spices
• Yule log: a chocolate cake made to look like a log, often filled with buttercream or ganache
• Trifle: a layered dessert made with sponge cake, fruit, custard, and whipped cream

These desserts are often served on Christmas Day, and are a big part of the festive celebrations.

Irish Christmas Traditions

There are many Irish Christmas traditions that are still celebrated today. Some of these include:

• Attending Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve
• Leaving out food and drink for Santa Claus on Christmas Eve
• Singing Christmas carols around the piano or fireplace
• Exchanging gifts on Christmas morning
• Eating traditional Irish Christmas foods on Christmas Day

These traditions are an important part of Irish Christmas celebrations, and are often passed down from generation to generation.

Irish Christmas Music

Irish Christmas music is also a big part of the celebrations. Some popular Christmas songs in Ireland include:

• "Fairytale of New York" by The Pogues
• "Christmas in Dublin" by The Dubliners
• "Silent Night" by Bing Crosby
• "Jingle Bells" by The Andrews Sisters

These songs are often played on the radio and in shops during the festive season, and are a big part of the Irish Christmas celebrations.

Irish Christmas Decorations

Irish Christmas decorations are also an important part of the celebrations. Some popular decorations include:

• Christmas trees: often decorated with lights, ornaments, and tinsel
• Wreaths: made from evergreen branches, holly, and mistletoe
• Garlands: made from evergreen branches, holly, and mistletoe
• Stockings: often hung by the fireplace or on a wall

These decorations are often put up in the weeks leading up to Christmas, and are a big part of the Irish Christmas celebrations.

Irish Christmas Markets

Irish Christmas markets are also a big part of the celebrations. Some popular Christmas markets in Ireland include:

• The Dublin Christmas Market: held in the Smithfield area of Dublin
• The Cork Christmas Market: held in the Grand Parade area of Cork
• The Galway Christmas Market: held in the Eyre Square area of Galway

These markets offer a range of festive foods, drinks, and crafts, and are a big part of the Irish Christmas celebrations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Irish Christmas holidays are a time of great joy and celebration in Ireland. The country has a rich tradition of Christmas festivities, which are deeply rooted in its Catholic heritage and cultural identity. From traditional Irish Christmas foods to Irish Christmas decorations, there are many ways to celebrate the festive season in Ireland. Whether you're attending Midnight Mass, singing Christmas carols, or enjoying traditional Irish Christmas foods, there's something for everyone in Ireland during the Christmas holidays.

Gallery of Irish Christmas Holidays 2018: Traditions And Celebrations