Christmas in Ireland

See how they celebrate Christmas

1. Christmas in Ireland

2. Religious Traditions Most families go to mass , even if they are not usually religious They go to “ Midnight mass ” ( misa de gallo ) on Christmas Eve , or they go on Christmas morning Many houses will have a crib with the nativity scene .

3. Presents Neighbours , friends and families exchange presents They are wrapped up and kept under the tree until the 25th of December . Children often receive selection boxes, a small box with 4 or 5 bars of chocolate

4. Christmas Dinner We eat turkey with mashed potatoes , roast potatoes , ham , stuffing and vegetables such as carrots , cabbage and brussel sprouts . For dessert many people eat mince pies or Christmas pudding. Mulled wine is the typical drink .

5. Traditions Carol- singing Some weeks before Christmas children may go to peoples ’ doors and sing Christmas songs , hoping to get money . Christmas crackers They usually contain 2 paper crowns , a joke and a small toy for the person who wins the bigger side . Everyone will wear the crown during dinner Santa’s grotto Children visit Santa’s grotto and tell him what they would like for Christmas

6. Santa Claus Children write their letters to Santa Claus at the beginning of December , with the hope of getting some new toys If the children have behaved well all year - Santa may bring them some things from their letters But , if the children haven´t behaved well , according to tradition they typically get a piece of coal and no toys

7. My typical Christmas In my family , our Christmas celebrations begin on Christmas Eve , 24th December . We go to my grandparents ’ village and go to mass . My granda and aunties sing in the choir . Before we go to bed , we prepare a snack for Santa Claus and his reindeer - some biscuits , milk and carrots ! On Christmas Day we get up early to open presents visit and then my aunties , uncles and cousins come to my house for dinner .

8. Boxing Day The next day , 26th December , is St. Stephen´s Day or Boxing Day On this day we usually relax and visit other family members . We all go to my granparents ’ house again and eat soup and food left over from the Christmas dinner . Many shops will start their sales on this day , so some people go shopping to find some cheap deals .

9. New Year´s Eve New Year´s Eve is on the 31st December . Families come together and have a party . They watch the Countdown on T.V. or go to see a firework display .

10. New Year´s Day 1st January or New Year´s Day marks the end of Christmas celebrations for many people in my country. Many people go back to work on the 2nd or 3rd of January and schools usually start back on the 4th of January .

11. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!