http://www.pressies.org/christmas-gifts-from-ireland/
Christmas is a major deal in Ireland, everyone shuts up shop and relaxes from Christmas Eve until New Years Day. Students eventually find their way home, families patch up all differences, friends re-find one another and the pubs fling open their doors and everybody pours in! The country gets itself into a frenzy, lights are hocked up all over the place, shops are ransacked of all goods, airports are squeezed tight with the Irish returning from the four corners of the world and the winding roads and lanes of Ireland are crammed with everyone rushing home for the Christmas Eve pint with old friends in the local cosy tavern. On Christmas Eve, children hang their stockings over the fireplace in nervous anticipation of whether they will receive what they asked for in their note to Santa Claus before being ushered off to bed where a sleepless night awaits them as they try to catch a glimpse of Santa coming down the chimney. Children will raid the pantry for cake and porter for Santa to have a snack after he places their gifts under the Christmas tree. Santa is highly appreciative of this little offering because the cake and porter is only crumbs on the plate and empty bottles by morning. The children tiptoe down to the tree as soon as the first rays of sun have broken the sky, ripping open gifts and speaking in whispers in case they awake the slumbering old people. They have to do this, as everyone is bundled off to morning mass so this is valuable present playing time. On return from mass, the final touches to the mighty feast that is about to be enjoyed are carried out. Younger members of the clan use this time to visit friends for a wee sip and a chat before returning for the perennial turkey and ham. Afterwards family members exchange gifts, gorge on mince pies and cream and doze in front of a blazing fire while watching It’s a Wonderful Life or some such firm festive favourite. In the early evening, fancy frocks and snazzy suits are donned, close friends and relative s call around or you go to them and the night is whittled away sipping, chatting, laughing and dancing. Pretty perfect.
About the Author:
Russell Shortt is a travel consultant with Exploring Ireland, the leading specialists in customised, private escorted tours, escorted coach tours and independent self drive tours of Ireland. Article source: http://www.exploringireland.net
Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – How to Spend the Perfect Christmas in Ireland
Oxfam Ireland: Christmas
