Top ten Irish Christmas traditions - old fashioned and modern Ireland combined

The magic of Grafton Street in Dublin at Christmas

Christmas in Ireland embodies these top ten traditions and less we get too twee (I have included the then and now versions)....

1: Christmas Cakes and Puddings:

Then: People complain that Christmas starts too early these days. Halloween is barely over and the shops have their decorations up. But in actual fact Irish Mammys would have had the Christmas Cakes and Puddings, a rich fruit and nut combination laced with whiskey well made by October at the latest, in order for them to have time enough to mature properly before the big day.

Now: We are more likely to buy smaller (perhaps even gluten free versions) from artisan food shops, bakeries and farmers markets.

2. The 8th December

Then: The feast of the Immaculate Conception, a holy day was traditionally the day families came 'up from the country' to do their Christmas shopping in one of the larger towns like Dublin, Cork or Galway.

Now: Apart from the facility to shop online 24/7 it is pretty much open season in many of the large shopping centers, like Dundrum and the Kildare Village Outlet from November.

However, there is still something magical about strolling down Henry Street or Grafton St in Dublin, Shop Street in Galway or Patrick Street in Cork at Christmas time.

Read More: The top ten Irish Christmas traditions that make the season - PHOTOS

3. Visit to Santa:

Most likely you would have composed your list and letter to Santa before this but this was the day you showed your face and were on your best behavior.

Then: We always went to see Santa in Switzers (now Brown Thomas’) on Grafton St who cleverly had a sack of blue presents for boys and pink for the girls. Switzers had the best Christmas windows and we would have spent hours (if we were let) with our noses pressed up against them, I am happy to say that Brown Thomas has continued that tradition and all of their windows nationwide are a sight to behold at Christmas.

Now: We have ‘Santa Experiences’ at Bunratty, Belvedere House, Glendeer Pet Farm, Ailwee Caves that are booked up months in advance.

4. The Christmas tree:

Then: Normally didn’t go up till almost Christmas and it would have been an ordinary spruce, from the Dublin mountains, no fancy imported breeds back in County Clare, where I now live, a holly bush was the handier and preferred tree of choice. My Aunts in Whitehall only ever had a small artificial Christmas tree which we thought was very exotic altogether, though undoubtedly a fire hazard, it is a wonder it didn’t go up in smoke as the lights were connected to the light socket in the ceiling.

Now: had a wide variety of imported (non-shed trees) as well as any amount of pseudo cyber trees like the one in O’Connell St which has been ditched this year in favor of a REAL tree.

5. Candle in the window:

Then: This was lit on Christmas eve to signal to Mary & Joseph that they were welcome at our house. as well as any stranger in need of warmth and sustenance.

Now: We have a permanent candle in the window of Aras an Uachtarain thanks to President Mary Robinson who famously re-adopted this custom during her term of office, to remember all of the emigrants that had left Ireland and let them know the candle in the window would always be lighting to remember them show them their way home.

Read More: The top ten best places to celebrate Christmas in Ireland

6. Midnight Mass:

Then: We did not go as children because we were tucked up in bed in case Santa caught us out, but the adults did often after a good night in the pub and then there would be more merriment and sampling of the ham, mince pies and whiskey no doubt.

Now: Midnight Mass is as early as 7pm to facilitate families with young children (and no doubt curb the pub exodus) and a lot of older people especially watch it on television.

7. Christmas dinner:

Then: Christmas dinner was very much a family affair and woe betide you if you did not make it home for dinner on Christmas Day, which was served about lunchtime and consisted of roast turkey, stuffing ham, grave, and vegetables namely the dreaded brussel sprouts that were only ever available at Christmas back in days (no loss many would still say). Christmas pudding or trifle, a layer of spongy jelly with custard and cream and a generous sprinkling of 100’s and 1000’s was served for desert. After which there would not be a peep out of anybody for the afternoon, while Chitty Bang Bang or the Sound of Music droned away to itself on the television.

Now: While stereo-typically it is still a family affair, many extended families have opened their doors and arms to embrace new traditions and cultural differences. Gone are the days of gnawing at a huge turkey carcass for a week. Many buy oven-ready or go out to eat in style on the day.

8. The Panto:

Then: The pantomime in the Gaeity or Olympia Theatre was the next big outing for us on St Stephens Day (boxing day) or sometime after. Our Aunts very kindly took us each year and we loved sitting in the grand circle and roaring ‘behind you’ at Maureen Potter et al. Afterwards, we always visited the Moving Crib on Parnell Square, which is still there 50 odd years later.

The top ten best Irish Christmas food and drink treats

Now: Kids are more likely to go to Funderland in the RDS or Ice-skating, while the adults go horse-racing or do something charitable like a 25 km run or fun swim (sometimes both) or head off up the mountains for a hike.

9. New Years Eve:

Then: was never a big deal in Ireland, it used to be the night of the ;dress dance' with plenty of Ri Ra and Ruaille Buaille (good fun) but mostly people watched Gaybo on the RTE (Irish television) which kicked off 50 years ago this year from Christchurch Cathedral in Dublin.

Now: This year's New Year’s Eve in Dublin is set to be huge with fireworks and a free open air concert to signal the start of The Gathering in 2013. While down the country we are more likely to be at home or at impromptu parties in our neighbors' houses, due to the price of drink out and (quite rightly) very strict drink-driving laws.

10. 6th January:

Then: The feast of the Epiphany, was the day when Christmas officially ended and the decorations were taken down and put away for yet another year. In the West of Ireland it was called Little Christmas or Nollaig na mBan (women’s Christmas) where the men got to do all the work and prepare a meal for the ladies of the house.

Now: In the West at least, the sisterhood has embraced this old tradition, wholeheartedly, over the last few years with many specially organized (ladies only) events.

By Susan Byron author of Irelands Hidden Gems.com and Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2013

Top ten Irish gifts to buy online this Christmas 2012

Wilde and Wooley 

This is my personal pick of the Top Irish Christmas Gifts available online this year.

Some of them are eternally popular mega brands and some are extra special hidden gems that are starting to make a name for themselves internationally.

Buying Irish supports our economy but more importantly keeps those rural communities, that our visitors love, alive, thriving and vibrant.

1. Alan Ardiff Jewellery do you know someone with a ‘heart of gold’ that you would like to reward this year? Than this beautiful piece is the gift for them, all of Alan's pieces are handcrafted in Dublin.

2. Brown Thomas although if you cannot make up your mind a gift card from Ireland’s most prestigious department store with branches in Dublin, Cork, Galway and Limerick is also bound to please.

3. Burren Smokehouse, for the foodies in your life, how about a hamper of delicious Irish artisan food goodies, choose from a huge variety of pre-packed options or create your own and remember to order early for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

4. Dubarry, I am still craving a pair of Galway Boots (hint, hint) these very stylish boots, while perfect for wintry walks (cosy and waterproof) would not look out of place on 5th avenue either. Web

5. Jameson for the ‘hottie’ in your life, how about a bottle of 12 year old special reserve Jameson Irish whiskey or better again get it personalised for him, only available in Ireland and the UK.

6. Cloon Keen Atalier, also on my wish list these candles are hand crafted in Galway, with specially blended perfumes, that genuinely go the distance, available singly or in presentation packs of three.

7. Lisa Ryder Designs winner of young Irish designer of the year Lisa’s luxurious, printed Italian silk scarves are a magical blend of natural and urban landscapes. I adore mine (they don’t crease) and have given several as gifts.

8. Lorge Chocolates my first encounter with Benoits' chocolates was at the Milk Market in Limerick, earlier this year. Which led me to his shop on the Caha Pass in Kerry, where I had the best hot-chocolate I have ever tasted and bought several beautifully presented boxes as gifts.

9. Seavite, another product(s) I cannot be without is Seavite’s exfoliating shower gel which is made from a blend of seaweed extracts. This miracle product was designed by the Mulrooney family of marine biologists in Kinvara, and is guaranteed to leave your skin feeling soft and silky.

10. Wilde and Wooley made from the finest naturally dyed yarns these lovely warm woollen hoods and gloves are designed to echo the natural land and seascapes of the West Coast of Ireland. Talented local lady Anto knits the garments while her beautiful daughter Mebh does the modelling.

Ta suil agam go mbanfidh sibh taitneamh as na rudai anseo agus Nollaig Shona Dhaoibh go leir... (I hope you enjoy the above and a very Happy Christmas to you all)

Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com and Where to Eat, Sleep & Play in Ireland 2013

Coming home to Christmas in Ireland...

There is a very old advert for electricity being re-run on RTE television at the moment called ‘Coming Home’ which depicts the emigrant (prodigal) son being picked up by his Dad at the airport and driven home to his doting (Irish) Mammy who is busy preparing the house for his arrival.

The beautiful old house is lit up like a Christmas tree, the immersion is on, so himself can have a hot bath while the electric blanket warms up his bed and something nice has just been popped in the oven.

No wonder its striking a chord nationally and globally thanks to YouTube etc as it evokes perfectly what Christmas means not just to the Irish, but universally, that elusive warm fuzzy feeling of coming home to the perfect family set up which so seldom happens in reality?

It’s been a tough year in Ireland and to be honest we’re barely holding it together and while we have no choice but to work our way out of this recession there will be a lot of broken hearts this Christmas with so many families fragmented by emigration. There isn’t a family or town in Ireland that hasn’t been affected by the loss of its young people, thanks be to God for Skype and Facebook otherwise we’d lose the plot altogether…But it’s never going to be the same as having them tucked up in their own beds, under the one roof, or around the dinner table?

At this time of year you used to hear women in particular (sorry sisters) moaning about all the work that was involved with having ALL OF THE FAMILY home for Christmas and you would just want to smack them as most of us would give our right arms for just that opportunity, but not any more? It is as in-politically correct as moaning about having a job!

“Go m’beimid go leir beo an am seo aris” – "May we all be alive this time next year" used to be my father’s toast at Christmas. Sadly he’s no longer with us and like many families my heart goes out to those who have been bereaved this year, at no other time is their loss more keenly felt than at Christmas, when it often seems that the rest of the world is happy out.

In Ireland, we know different, which is why we light a candle in the window each Christmas Eve, to shine a light, not just of welcome but of hope and solidarity with family, friends and strangers throughout the world….So whatever ‘Coming Home’ means to you this Christmas whether its fondly remembering Christmases past or bravely facing up to new realities, I wish you and yours all the very best agus Nollaig Shona Dhaoibh go leir.

By Susan Byron author of http://www.irelands-hidden-gems.com/

Christmas shopping in Galway - the sights and sounds along Shop Street

A window display in Galway

Here in Galway we really have the nicest shops and you won’t beat it for atmosphere, especially at Christmas. Who wants to spend their money in bland, faceless shopping centers, that couldn’t care less about you or your euros when you have got Shop Street...

At the top end, literally and figuratively we have Brown Thomas, a luxury department store, its corner location a hub of stylish yet affordable shopping, and all very elegant in classic black & white with a service to match. They always have the most gorgeous shop windows packed full of highly desirable goodies, so if you hear of a smash and grab raid in Galway it could well be me!

Just opposite is another shop window, I have been known to lick, Hartmanns the jewelers, where you can lust after all kinds of lovely trinkets from Rolex's to Mont Blanc and even Fabergé. Or be-dazzled by the sparkliest diamonds in Lazlo's as you sidestep into Premoli’s gorgeous shoes & boots shop.

The wedgewood blue and white front of the Treasure Chest hints at what’s inside, a timeless emporium of traditional Irish gifts. Further along on the right is McCambridges, a purveyor of fine foods since, well forever and a foodie haunt long before the term came into being.

Down a bit further is Easons, the last of our Irish bookstores, online is taking over but people still like to feel books or pick up an international newspaper or magazine. Then there's Anthony Ryans, a family drapers that’s catered for generations of Galwegians, from first Holy Communions to Weddings and everything else in between....

And from the traditional to the ultra modern, the award winning Born Centre on Galway's inland waterway system. I have a real soft spot for this place, stunning architecture, there is a glass panel in the floor where you can watch the might Corrib river rushing through underneath, and knitted tea cosies on the teapots in the cafe, which also serve smashing scones! a great place to escape the Christmas madness and relax....

For more information on Galway click here or download the free iPhone app.

By Susan Byron author of www.irelands-hidden-gems.com

The tipples, trifles and truffles that make an Irish Christmas

An Irish family favorite sherry trifle

Irish people are known the world over for their legendary hospitality but never more so than at Christmas, when the drinks are overflowing and cupboards and fridges are stocked with enough to see out the winter, never mind a couple of weeks. But then you never know who might call so you want to have a little something extra in, just in case.

Here are some top ideas for an Irish Christmas culinary indulgence:

Top of the list would have to be a couple of bottles of Irish whiskey Jameson’s is standard issue in most households for drinking neat. Purists would never ruin it by adding water! Or hot as in hot whiskeys and Irish coffees.

And where would be without Baileys? Short of brushing our teeth with the stuff, it’s liberally splashed into every cup of coffee at Christmas as a kind of instant Irish coffee to go with your mince pies.
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Of course the mince pieces would have to come from the Foods of Athenry, voted the best in Ireland for six years running now. Buttery rich, crumbly short crust pastry with a generous fruit filling with a little alcoholic hint of something, it’s a wonder they only come in sixes. And of course you have to have the Brandy Butter to go with them, and it’s the nuns in Kylemore Abbey, of Irish picture postcard fame, who make the very best after the Mammy!

You used to be able to rely on the Mammy for the Christmas cake and pudding. Hello, not anymore. Too busy on Facebook or going to Pilates at 84 if you don’t mind. But there are some great and very special alternatives, ie the Carton House Pudding from their own kitchen which comes beautifully packaged and presented in traditional greaseproof paper with the nostalgia inducing, string contraption for hoisting it in and out of the steaming pan. I don’t think so you can microwave it just as easily but the thought was in it

Or a Christmas cake, from Ballymaloe made from only the finest exotic and organic ingredients you would otherwise have to go on an expedition to find. Their cake is baked with that wondrous blend of female culinary talent that has spanned umpteen generations of the Allen family from Myrtle to Darina and current celebrity chef-ess Rachel. Of course Rachel makes the whole process look like a whizz, which it clearly isn’t, believe me. Those cakes are presently maturing nicely ready to be freshly marzipan-ed (almond pasted – the best bit and iced) before being devoured by the devoted.

And on that religious note, the monks of Glenstal Abbey have created a true match made in heaven (chocolate and alcohol) in the form of chocolates filled with liqueurs such as Benedictine and Chartreuse from the great abbeys of Europe.

A bit further down off the wild Atlantic coast of Kerry is another holy and sacred place the Skelligs Islands which are overlooked by another very special artisan chocolate company Skelligs Chocolate which make the most delicious chocolate truffles probably on the planet. Their collection includes over 60 different varieties including plum pudding, egg nog and hot toddy this time of year. They were also the first to produce a gin and tonic chocolate bar which tastes as good as it sounds.

And finally every family in Ireland has their own version of sherry trifle. which is a layered mixture of jelly and sponge with a good drop of the above, topped with tinned fruit (this is about tradition not the healthy option) thick custard and whipped cream with a sprinkling of 100’s and 1000’s of course. And if you don’t know what they are then the whole of the last paragraph was probably lost on you...poor thing.

Good health one and all and Nollaig Shona dhuit

For more information visit www.irelands-hidden-gems.com.