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Christmas in Ireland Classroom Activities

Holidays Around the World!

Grab your passports – we’re going on a holiday adventure! I’ve teamed up with some amazing bloggers to take your students on a Holiday Trip Around the World!

One of my absolute favorite countries I’ve been fortunate to visit is Ireland. Maybe this Irish girl is a little biased, but I just think it’s simply magical!

About the Holiday Ireland Lucky to Be in First

Since much of Ireland is predominantly Catholic, Christmas is an important holiday, as it celebrates the birth of Jesus! Christmas is celebrated from December 24th – January 6th, or Epiphany.

Happy Christmas in Gaelic Lucky to Be in First
Happy Christmas in Gaelic!

In some Irish homes, people put a tall, thick candle on the sill of the largest window after sunset on Christmas Eve. The candle is left to burn all night and represents a welcoming light for Mary and Joseph.

Ireland Holidays Around the World Lucky to Be in First
Ireland Lucky to Be in First Holidays Around the World

In your classroom, you can make these “candles” with your students! Did you know holly wreaths hanging on doors originated in Ireland? Long ago, holly was one of the most common plants that flourished in Ireland around Christmas time. Families made holly wreaths as an inexpensive way to decorate their homes! You can create these simple to prep wreaths with just a few supplies! This is a great buddy project {as their are lots of nooks and crannies to cut through!}

Related Reading: Gingerbread Man Activities for First Grade

To celebrate the feast of the Epiphany {when the Wise Men reached the Baby Jesus} women throughout Ireland celebrate Nollaig na mBan {Women’s Little Christmas}. Traditionally, women get together and enjoy their own Christmas, while the men stay at home and handle all the chores. It is also common for children to buy their mothers and grandmothers presents on this day {though this tradition is slowly being overtaken by Mothers Day}

Book Recommendations Lucky to Be in First Ireland

Love that tradition! 

Unfortunately, there are very limited books specific to Christmas in Ireland! However, a class favorite is An Irish Night Before Christmas! Please note: there are mentions of beer/cider in this book so use your discretion before you buy or read to your students!

Want to make these Irish goodies in your own room?

christmas in ireland

If you’re looking for a comprehensive way to teach the Continents check out these resources!

Slainte!

Related: Christmas, Hanukkah, and Holidays Teacher Stamps

5 Responses

  1. I would love to visit Ireland someday… probably because of the movie “PS I Love You” (such a sweet movie!).

    I had no idea hanging holly wreaths on doors started in Ireland. Love the crafts you created!

    Stephanie

  2. I am currently trying to talk my husband into going to Ireland! We thought about it over Christmas break but way too cold! Thanks for sharing, I will be adding the candle to my holidays around the world file.

  3. THANK YOU SO MUCH! I am doing a quick project with my homeschooled daughter on Christmas in Ireland so I don’t want to pay a bunch of money for a Christmas craft bundle but my daughter is such a hands on crafting kind of learner. This is perfect and exactly what I was looking for to finish off our presentation!

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