Irish Christmas

Shammrock ornament

by Zuzanna Łangowsa 8H

Christmas in Ireland is the most important holiday next to St. Patrick's and New Year's. Christmas activities begin here long before December. Already in October Christmas Cake is prepared, i.e. a cake with dried fruits and alcohol, and Plum Pudding - two typical Irish Christmas delicacies.

Christmas Eve for the Irish is the time for the last important shopping, baking and cooking treats for Christmas Day and meeting friends in the local pub.

In some homes, just after dark, a glass of milk and a piece of bread are left on the table to host the Holy Family wandering and seeking shelter. In the evening in the homes of children hang socks on the fireplace in anticipation of gifts and leave sweets and a small glasses of whiskey or Guinness in thanks to Saint. Nicholas, known in Ireland as Santa Claus or Father Christmas. At midnight, as in Poland, Holy Mass is celebrated in churches.

The Christmas season unwraps gifts in Ireland. In some homes, the parcels lie under the Christmas tree for two to three weeks, and this is a real test for patience for the little Irish. Then there is time to visit the church if someone was not there at midnight. Christmas dinner is primarily a turkey with roasted ham, although there is also a goose that is more related to the Irish tradition. As a starter, smoked salmon and melon soup are served. 

The main dish serves potatoes, fried or stewed, and bread and gravy. The vegetables are served Brussels sprouts, carrots, beans, and broccoli. And finally - all kinds of sweets, such as pudding, custard, trifle, and others. In most homes on the holiday table must also be found Mince Pies, or shortbread cookies, filled with raisins and dried fruit mousse. Traditionally, the first day of Christmas, the Irish spend with the family, December 26, St. Stephen's Day is a time of socializing and visiting neighbors and friends. This day is spent in pubs and shows for children. On this day, carollers often call the Wren and collect donations in villages and towns.