January Ideas for Sharing Your Irish Side!

"Life offers up these moments of joy despite everything."

– Sally Rooney, Irish Author and Screenwriter


Candle in the window Christmas

The Tradition of Little Christmas

While the Christmas season typically draws to a close on Twelfth Night – the eve of the epiphany, the day the three wise men arrive at the crib with their gifts – in Ireland there is one more celebration to be had.

Nollag na mBan (“null-ig na mon”), commonly known as Women’s Christmas or Little Christmas, is celebrated on the 6th of January. Traditionally decorations are not taken down until that day - to do so early means bad luck for the year. 

Nollaig na mBan is a day of rest and relaxation for women of the house, after the work they put into delivering Christmas and its associated feasts and fancies. The men take on the household duties, freeing women to make social calls to catch up on tea and gossip, or to visit their childhood homes.

In the late twentieth century the idea of Women’s Christmas had largely died out, although it remained strong in Cork and Kerry and the western islands. But recent years have seen something of a rejuvenation, with themed 'girls’ nights, ladies lunches, and other group activities for women only.

Ireland in January

January is a wonderful time to visit Ireland, particularly the Aran Islands, where the practice of lighting candles in windows on the eve of Little Christmas is a lovely reminder of an old Irish tradition.  But as a member of our Irish Expressions community, you know it is possible to express your 'Irish side,' wherever you are in the world!

One way to share your love of Ireland, particularly this time of year, is through scented candles and other gifts of Irish fragrance.  Our friends at Real Irish have many options to choose from. As always, Irish Expressions members receive a 10% discount throughout the store. 

Click the image below for more information:


Real Irish Logo

Your Personal Irish Expression

One way to share your love of Ireland is by displaying your family coat of arms (family crest).  A very personal symbol of the stories and accomplishments of your ancestors can adorn clothing, kitchenware, wall art, personal accessories and so much more. 

Want to have a look?  Our friends at House of Names can help! 

Tap the button below and see your family crest for free!

Search for Family Name Button

Want to Feel More Connected to Ireland?

At Irish Expressions we believe everybody – well almost everybody! - has an "Irish side."  So how nice would it be to have access to a fun, free Irish experience, on demand, wherever in the world you happen to be?

Over the years we have compiled many free, downloadable resources including lyrics, recipes, games, jokes, blessings and much, much more.  Would you like to receive them ALL for FREE?  Simply share your email for instant access!

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A Note from Bruce

If you would like to see more from Irish Expressions, you can find us on Facebook and Pinterest. You can also communicate with us using our contact form here. 

And of course you can always reach out to me directly at bruce@irish-expressions.com. 

However you choose to connect, we would love to hear from you!  Meanwhile, thanks for visiting!  I hope that we will meet someday, in person or online, and you can tell me about your own connection to the Emerald Isle.

Until then, best wishes -

Bruce Grady, and the team at Irish-Expressions.com


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