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We have decorations like the Christmas tree with ornaments, the crib, wreaths on the door
and the Christmas log with candles.
The children lay out stockings on their bed, or I have heard
of pillow cases or sacks. In some families where Santa
brings the big gifts they go round the tree.
They leave him a snack and drink...Whiskey, port, milk, or
beer or Guinness! with mince pies or biscuits (cookies!) or
things such as carrots for Rudolph!
Adults often go to Midnight service at church.
Others will go on Christmas morning.
The kids get up and open stockings, then everyone opens
their gifts.
Christmas dinner in Ireland is roast turkey and ham...we
usually have both. With all the extras, potatoes with
vegetables. Brussels sprouts is very English but has become
more common in recent years. Also cranberry sauce, bread
sauce, sausages, stuffing, gravy etc!
For dessert traditionally it is Christmas pudding and brandy
or rum butter or sauce. Also mince pies, or something
lighter such as trifle or fruit salad!
Something very traditional in Ireland is Spiced beef. Most
families will eat it at some stage over the holiday. In my
family we eat it at lunch on Christmas day and the turkey
meal in the evening but other families will eat it at other
times. It is beef preserved in spices and local butchers
will do it and sell it direct for you to save the trouble.
We also eat mince pies, ~ (same as England) usually with
Brandy butter. We also have Christmas cake, a fruit cake
iced in almond paste and royal (white) icing. And also the
Christmas log, usually a Swiss roll cake, often chocolate
decorated to look like a log dusted in (icing sugar) snow!
On St. Stephens Day (the day after Christmas called Boxing
day in Northern Ireland and England) the wren boy march will
take place. Most families don't do a lot. They Meet family
or friends, go for long walks and generally spend family
time!
Christmas day is the big day in Ireland and kids get very
excited by Father Christmas. Often they will visit Santa in
grottos in shopping centers etc before Christmas.
Thank You Fiona
16 days till Christmas!
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