Christmas Traditions
Around the World

Christmas in Ireland

• Ireland's Christmas is more religious than a time of fun.
• Lighted candles are placed in windows on Chrismas Eve, as a guide that Joseph and Mary might be looking for shelter. The candles are usually red in color, and decorated with sprigs of holly.
• Irish women bake a seed cake for each person in the house. They also make three puddings, one for Christmas, New Year's Day and the Twelfth Night.
• After the Christmas evening meal, bread and milk are left out and the door unlatched as a symbol of hospitality.