Happy Christmas. Happy Holidays. But do you know how to say it Irish style? 

'Nollaig Shona' means Happy Christmas in the Irish language and is a lovely greeting. 

But there are many other ways of bringing Irish culture into Christmas traditions without even using words. The holly and the ivy are seen around the world but in Celtic tradition their basis in nature was that because they are evergreen they were used to keep evil spirits away. 


This was how the tradition of using holly and ivy in Christmas wreaths began as they were hung on doors to protect the inhabitants. They were also used on mantlepieces for protection inside the house. And as the saying went: “With ivy, shamrock, and bright holly berry, be Christmas to you both blessed and merry!”


In other symbolism, a candle at the window was designed to welcome one and all and was introduced by the former Irish President Mary Robinson who put one in her residence in the Phoenix Park with the purpose of welcoming all residents back to the island nation of Ireland and the tradition is still kept up by the current President of Ireland, Michael D Higgins.

You can't beat a traditional Irish blessing and here's a beautiful one with unknown origins often recited by the older generations during the season: 

"The light of the Christmas star to you
The warmth of a home and hearth to you
The cheer and good will of friends to you
The hope of a childlike heart to you
The joy of a thousand angels to you
The love of the Son and
God’s peace to you"


Christmas is all about stars and twinkle. While the star on top of the tree is a symbol worldwide, it's not often remembered that the Christmas tree was originally an Irish pagan celebration. There were decorations to honour the three deities - the sun, moon and stars - and no matter what your symbols represent, this is one lovely way to think of Christmas when decorating the tree.

Another Irish traditional Christmas blessing often sung or recited as a party piece on Christmas Eve, goes as follows:

"God grant you lightness in your step,
A smile on every face you meet,
Loved ones gathered at your heath,
And at your door, good friends to greet.

A holy hymn upon your lips,
A window candle burning bright,
And may the Good Lord bless your heart
And come to dwell here Christmas night."

A lesser known fact when it comes to saying Happy Christmas Irish style is that one of the most-loved Christmas carols around the world which is often thought to be English, actually came from a proud Irish man, Nahum Tate, a Trinity College Dublin graduate, born in Dublin in 1652. While Shepherds Watched their Flocks is sung around the world every year and while it was first printed in the 1700 supplement to the New Version of the Psalms of David, it has that big Irish connection by that great Anglo-Irish poet, hymnist and lyricist.

And for a more light hearted greeting, often recited when guests are leaving after a few drinks or a session in the pub, this fun rhyme might not be commonly known any more but it's a Christmas ditty that can actually be used around the year and is often also heard in Irish / American households and goes like this:

"Walls for the wind 
And a roof for the rain,
And drinks beside the fire,
Laughter to cheer you,

And those you love near you,
And all that your heart may desire"

Happy Christmas 2024!