IRELAND - Holidays around the world

Discover Irish Christmas traditions! Learn about decorations, meals, and unique customs.

Fill in the blanks with the correct word(s). Ireland celebrates Christmas from early December to January 6th. Natural materials like pine cones, ivy, and holly are also used to decorate their homes. Holly is particularly popular and wreaths made from it are seen on doors everywhere. Nativity scenes are also set up in homes across the country, and people do not add baby Jesus into the scene until Christmas morning. One of the oldest traditions is to place a candle in the front window of the home as a symbolic welcoming of Mary and Joseph. On Christmas Eve, almost everyone goes to midnight mass. When they arrive home, it's time for a meal before going to bed. They leave some bread with caraway seeds and raisins, as well as some milk, and a lit candle, to symbolize the welcoming of Mary and Joseph. Childrenalso leave out food on Christmas Eve. Santa, called San Nioclas or Father Christmas, are happy to find mince pies with milk, and carrots for the reindeer. Presents are delivered to children's bedroom in a sack at the foot of the bed. Occasionally, large gifts may be found under the tree, unwrapped. The first thing Christmas morning, some people will participate in the Annual Christmas Day Swim. It is where people jump into the freezing waters of the sea, with only a bathing suit and perhaps a Santa hat on!Dinner on Christmas Day is a feast.Decorations are taken down on January 6th, which is called Little Christmas or Women's Christmas. Women are supposed to relax while men cook and clean.