Traditional Christmas Greeting: "Nodlaig Nait Cugat"
Location: Western Europe
Tree Type: Cultural

Decorations:
- The flag is the Irish tri-color; The green color represents the Catholic counties of the south, the orange is for the six Protestant counties of the north and the white symbolizes the hoped for peace between them.
- The thatched cottages symbolize the traditional Irish dwelling.
- Shamrocks symbolize the Trinity.
- The Celtic cross is the traditional cross of Ireland.
- The sheep symbolize two aspects of Ireland; first it is a sign of shepherding and second it represents the Christ Child.
- St. Bridget's cross is handmade from reeds. It represents the female patron saint of Ireland. St., Bridget's cross is traditionally hung on the doors and barns as protection. The tree is toped with St. Bridget's Cross.

Traditions:
Preparations for Christmas celebrations in Ireland begin in earnest in the weeks leading up to the 24th when nearly all houses, barns, and buildings are thoroughly cleaned. No effort is spared as Irish people scrub furniture, sweep floors, launder linen, and whitewash walls to purify their homes for Christmas. Once this traditional ‘Whitewashing' is completed families gather holly, mistletoe, and ivy to adorn their homes.

When Christmas Eve rolls around, families light one large candle and place it in the front window as a sign of welcome to Joseph and Mary, who were unable to find shelter before Jesus' birth. The candle was also intended to signal to passing priests and Catholics that shelter and protection were available in the house. Some families reserve the honor of lighting the candle for a daughter named Mary.

Irish Christmas feasts often include stuffed goose or turkey, ham, brussel sprouts, and boiled potatoes followed by a month-aged Christmas pudding. After finishing their meal Irish families unlatch the door and re-set the table with dishware, caraway-raisin bread, and milk as a sign of welcome to the Holy Family. Before going to sleep, children place stockings or pillowcases at the foot of their beds. They awaken the next morning to find apples, oranges, chocolate coins, and small gifts waiting for them.

Saint Stephen's Day on December 26 brings young boys together in a parade called the Wren Boys Procession. St. Stephen, while in hiding, was supposedly found when a wren betrayed his presence, so young boys parade with a wren on a stick (today a fake wren), singing songs and asking for treats. Pantomimes and puppet shows are also common on the 26th.

Christmas celebrations officially end on January 6 with Epiphany, sometimes called Little Christmas. At this point, decorations are stored away until the next year.