Irish Christmas books and traditions for children
A candle in the window, a wren on St Stephen’s Day and a Women’s Christmas on 6 January. Here are Ireland’s Christmas traditions, and the books that go with them.
Christmas in Ireland has its own customs. Some are common to many countries, such as the tree, the crib and Santy on Christmas Eve. Others feel very Irish: a candle in the window, a holly wreath on the door and a stretch of days after Christmas that are every bit as special as the 25th.
Sharing these traditions with children is a wonderful way to connect them to Irish culture, and a good excuse to pick up a book.
Irish Christmas traditions to share with children
The candle in the window. A lit candle in the front window on Christmas Eve is a traditional welcome for travellers and, in many versions of the custom, for the Holy Family. Many households still do it, often using a safe electric candle. Let your child be the one to light it.
Santy. In Ireland, Santa Claus is very often called Santy. Many children leave out a mince pie, a drink and a carrot for the reindeer.
Holly and the wreath. Holly and ivy have long been used to decorate homes at Christmas. A holly wreath on the door is a lovely craft to make with children.
The crib. Many families display a nativity scene, and children enjoy placing the figures. Baby Jesus is traditionally added on Christmas morning.
St Stephen’s Day and the Wren Boys. The day after Christmas, 26 December, is known in Ireland as St Stephen’s Day. An old custom, which survives in some places, involves groups of “Wren Boys” in costume, going from house to house with music. It is sometimes called Wren Day, and it is a good way to talk about old traditions.
Little Christmas (Nollaig na mBan). On 6 January, the feast of the Epiphany, many Irish people celebrate Little Christmas, also called Nollaig na mBan, or “Women’s Christmas”. Traditionally it was a day when women rested and men took over the work in the house. It is also, for many families, the day the tree and decorations come down.
Irish authors and illustrators for Christmas
Some Irish creators have written or illustrated festive books, and others have written stories that suit the season. Check availability in your library or local bookshop, since editions come and go.
The Christmas Miracle of Jonathan Toomey
Illustrated by P. J. Lynch, written by Susan Wojciechowski
A lonely woodcarver is asked to carve a nativity set for a widow and her young son. P. J. Lynch’s paintings are warm and detailed, and the story is one many families read each year.
Rover Saves Christmas
By Roddy Doyle, illustrated by Brian Ajhar
A funny, slightly chaotic Christmas Eve adventure involving a dog, a sleigh and a lot of mischief. It is full of Dublin humour and children enjoy the silliness.
Under the Hawthorn Tree
By Marita Conlon-McKenna
Not a Christmas book, but a winter-night favourite for older children who enjoy Irish history. Many families read it aloud in the dark months.
Irish-language Christmas books
Various
Irish-language publishers such as An Gúm and Futa Fata, as well as libraries and Gaelscoileanna, can point you to Christmas stories, songs and rhymes as Gaeilge. Ask your local librarian what is in stock. See our guide to Irish-language children’s books.
Christmas words in Irish
| Irish | English |
|---|---|
| Nollaig shona duit | Happy Christmas to you |
| Oíche Nollag | Christmas Eve |
| Lá Nollag | Christmas Day |
| Lá Fhéile Stiofáin | St Stephen’s Day |
| Nollaig na mBan | Women’s Christmas (6 January) |
| Coinneal | Candle |
| Cuileann | Holly |
Ideas for an Irish Christmas at home
- Light the candle on Christmas Eve and explain the story behind it.
- Make a holly wreath from real or paper holly, with berries made from red paper.
- Learn a Christmas rhyme or carol in Irish. Children who attend a Gaelscoil may already know one to teach you.
- Visit a crib, perhaps in a church or in a town centre display.
- Read a story on St Stephen’s Day by the fire, or take a winter walk.
- Celebrate Little Christmas with a cup of tea and a book, and let the grown-ups rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the candle in the window tradition?
A lit candle in the window on Christmas Eve is an old Irish custom that welcomes travellers and, in some tellings, the Holy Family. Many families light one today.
What is Nollaig na mBan?
Nollaig na mBan, or Women’s Christmas, is celebrated on 6 January. Traditionally women took a rest from household work on this day. It is also the day many people take down their Christmas decorations.
What do Irish children call Santa?
Many Irish children say “Santy”. “Santa” is used as well.
What is St Stephen’s Day?
St Stephen’s Day is 26 December, the day after Christmas, and a public holiday in Ireland. It is linked to the old custom of Wren Boys, who dressed up and went from house to house with music.
Where can I find Irish-language Christmas books?
Ask your local library or Irish bookshop, and look at the websites of Irish-language publishers such as An Gúm and Futa Fata. Availability changes, so check what is in stock.