Christmas in Ireland

Christmas in Ireland - a time for families to gather around the fireplace, share a laugh, eat, sing and reconnect. Apart from the occasional cold snap, snow and ice are rare events, so the weather will be mild, and I can remember having an icecream between the years. Especially along the coast, the fog and mist will be particularly enchanting. It's pleasant to stroll through a small town, chat a little with the shopkeeper and browse around to find a last-minute gift. You may come across the odd hardware store that carries every item under the sun, although they have been disappearing fast. If time flows slower in Ireland in general, it's another tad slower in the countryside.

Christmas ornaments in other countries depict owls or reindeer or birds or wooden angels blowing a trumpet. On the continent, festive markets offer handmade artifacts to lighten up the home during the dark days of winter. In Ireland ornaments can bring back the early days of Christianization, and the harp is an all-time favorite symbol.

Christmas is not complete without Evening Mass and the cross is a reminder of the deep spirituality of the Irish. True, the religiosity of old has undergone massive changes, a younger generation has grown critical of the rituals and power of an establishment often deemed out of touch with modern life. Yet, Christmas returns and with it the joys of family gatherings. Why not decorate a tree with ancient symbols of Irish culture and history? The magic of Ireland shines through the intricate designs and beautiful crisp lines of illuminated manuscripts.

Few countries can boast of a more exciting color scheme than Ireland. It's as if homeowners eagerly await the time to apply a fresh coat of paint to make their house stand out. I can imagine that it's always been a way to make giving directions easier - 'It's right by the orange house at the end of the street' or 'You can't miss it, it's the purple one,' and I can feel the cheeky grin of the Irish farmer in his voice. Not only do you find all shades of green but also all shades of gaudy and cheerful.