de

2. Decorations

A Christmas tree decorated
with lights, ribbons, balls and a
star.

We put a holly wreath on the
front door.

We have “The Crib” (Nativity
Scene) in the house.

It is popular to send Christmas
cards to each other too.

3. Christmas Eve

The 24th of December.

We don't really
celebrate Christmas Eve.

We light a candle and put
it in the window.

We also go to midnight
mass.

4. Santa Claus
 Comes on Christmas Eve to
all the good boys and girls.
 He leaves presents under
the tree.
 He comes in his sleigh with
his reindeers.
 Children leave cookies and
milk for Santa and a carrot for
Rudolf.

5. Christmas Day

The 25th of December.

Children open their presents.

Dinner is eaten at 1 or 2 o'
clock.

We usually eat turkey, bacon,
brussel sprouts, roast spuds
and croquettes with gravy.

We also pull Christmas
crackers before dinner. Inside
there is a toy and a hat.

6. St Stephen's Day

The Wren Boys killed a bird
called the Wren.

They went from door to door
singing to get money.

They dressed in costumes with
their faces black.

They also played traditional
instruments.

7. Little Christmas

The 6th of January.

Also called Nollaig na
mBán or women's
Christmas.

Women get the day off.

Men do the housework.
For example the cooking
and cleaning.