3 Customs from a Traditional Irish Christmas to Make Your Own

[@sharondavid-melly1498]

Candles in the window guiding those in need...walking with the Holy Family and seeing the door open. Beautiful ❤️

[@SMElder-iy6fl]

In my native New Mexico we line the houses and sidewalks with luminarias (paper bags with sand in the bottom and a votive candle) to light the way of the Christ Child on Christmas Eve.

[@maurawhelan3530]

Yes, it is magical! Love that tradition…

[@diamondslashranch]

Hello my fellow New Mexican. That’s one of our customs I dearly love.

[@pdatnc]

Sounds lovely!

[@jeez3838]

NM native here and love the farolitos every year!

[@1paulinejackson]

Ah sure the candle in the window was always a favourite of mine both in Ireland and down under. I'm from the Coombe in Dublin, now living in Australia. The kids are grown up and moved away. But I still do the usual stuff making the Christmas cakes, the cookies and extra trifle just incase someone comes knocking on the door. Christmas blessings to all on here. ☘️💚☘️ ❤ 🙏🏻❤️

[@prairiegirl9770]

I’m a South Side Chicago Irish Catholic ☘️ We lit a red candle on Christmas Eve placed on the kitchen window sill.

[@folkmikedelaney]

“The grace of patience in the face of wrongdoing “. That hits home. Nollaig Shona duit.

[@firinntraighean3846]

❤

[@maryanndaulerio9463]

Thank you for this!💚🤍🧡 My son turned 38 years old today. When he was a toddler, he loved a book called “The Animals’ Christmas Eve.” It begins like this: “In the barn on Christmas Eve, after all the people leave, The animals in voices low, remember Christmas long ago. One small hen, upon her nest, softly clucks to all the rest: “Little chicks, come gather near. A wondrous story you will hear.” Each barn animal shares his/ her story of how they helped care for the Baby Jesus. I still have the book, and I plan on reading it to myself Christmas Eve!

[@skyblue-df2od]

Love this!❤❤❤

[@tracyrupp4882]

When I was a teen, 50 years ago, my mom had a Better Homes and Gardens cookbook encyclopedia and one book was on Irish cooking. I made an Irish meal as a home ec project, and loved that it talked about the tradition of putting a candle in the window for weary travelers. What a lovely gesture.

[@janetmore351]

Dear Kate, Preparations for Christmas, even in the smallest way is a life long way for me. Cleaning for sure and I always manage to buy something new, just like mum, even if its just a cushion or two for the home. I rememer after my mother died. I didnt want to put the lights on in the window, feeling the gaeity of it was inappropriate ,my sister said but we must put a little light in the window to guied the spirits home. We didn't know then that we had Irish ancestor, on my mothers side. Magic indeed. Thank you so much for a lovely video. Bright blessings to you and yours.

[@Diane-xn1lk]

I was shocked when I saw your thumbnail, you look so much like my Irish Nana (Grandmother) as a younger woman! She was so lovely with her tidy dainty little home, her Irish treats, and her ladylike ways. I so loved her, and lost her in 1967 as a 13 yr. old girl. I don't know where in Ireland she was from but the resemblance between you and she brings tears to my eyes. Enjoyed your video, will tune in for more!

[@stephanieb120]

We are all connected ☘️🎄☘️

[@juanelllemon4833]

Lighting candles and letting magic happen

[@adventurecreations3214]

So beautiful. Some 55 years ago, here in Kentucky, I watched a Christmas special cartoon where the animals in the barn were able to speak on Christmas Eve. So lovely. That has been in my heart all these years. Thank you for bringing it back to me.

[@debbiesittard7653]

Yes! I remember watching that movie as a small child in the early 60's. I can't remember the name though.

[@debbiesittard7653]

Yes! I remember watching that movie as a small child in the early 60's. I can't remember the name though.

[@debbiesittard7653]

Yes! I remember watching that movie as a small child in the early 60's. I can't remember the name though.

[@debbiesittard7653]

Yes! I remember watching that movie as a small child in the early 60's. I can't remember the name though.

[@adventurecreations3214]

@@debbiesittard7653 I can't either but it sure made an impact on me.

[@FarmhouseWorthy]

I enjoy hearing about The Irish traditions of my family past. I make my own candles, and have them about on Christmas. They will be lit as usual to welcome the Holy Family & little baby Jesus. I have a fondness for the donkey who carried our savior safely to Bethlehem. 🕯✨🎄🙏☘️

[@peterwhite9261]

The candles that lights the way to invite others in no matter their life status or help to guide them along. I do this every night all year long. My mom and dad were from the southern shore of Newfoundland. We grew up and share the same customs today. Merry Christmas to you and yours. May it be peaceful, joyful, and renew your hope full of love in your hearts. God bless.❤

[@katechadbournebard]

It is such a beautiful thing to carry those customs forward. Your lovely good wishes are deeply appreciated! ☘️

[@hugofindenigg1269]

Irish Sisters and Brothers in Christ our LORD, I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Greetings from Austria!

[@SuzanneJeffersMolina]

I just found you. I'm Irish and I adore your Irish Christmas stories. I'm going to adopt the candles 🕯 to light ✨️ the way for Jesus. ❤

[@katechadbournebard]

How lovely and thank you for sharing that! It's such a beautiful tradition.

[@janicefitzpatricksimmons4514]

Ah lovely. Been preparing my house since December 6th. I line between Burtonport and Dungloe. Getting ready fir the magic.

[@Athena621]

Nollaig Shona from Uisneach in the midlands. Having fond memories of Christmases in The Rosses and in particular in Carrickfin airport one year during a power cut affecting Ranafast, Annagry and Crolly 🤗

[@joanieann6179]

I was baking butter tarts and organizing gifts for the big day next week. I really enjoyed hearing Irish spoken and recognize the cadence from Gaelic singers I listen to. Lovely. ❤

[@jacquelyndixon2788]

I love the idea of putting away cynicism, but I most need the slowing down and spiritually preparing through deliberate meaningful actions. Loved this, well done.

[@katechadbournebard]

I hear you on that. Slowing down is so important and I'm practicing, too. Wishing you ease and peace in the new year!

[@CatherineVerrilli]

Truly, Kate, of the three traditions you shared, it's the magic for me ---because that inspires all else. The mundane, done with great care and intention, becomes magic. The act of selfless hospitality extended to strangers, too, is magic. I've long believed that animals are some of the greatest, most magical gifts on earth, for all they give and share with us. What magic does for me is just as you shared: it becomes the light that dispels the cynicism that at times permeates my thinking like a dark cloud. Thank goodness we're headed back toward the sun with the approaching winter solstice. May the blessings of the light be with you and with everyone here.

[@skippyalbrite2431]

❤Thank you Kate!!!❤ (;

[@pdatnc]

Thank you, Kate. Not only are you bringing Irish Christmas traditions to us, you’re actually bringing the considerable Irish diaspora together! Nollaig Shona Kate and everyone! 🎄🎄🎄

[@katechadbournebard]

Thank you so much for saying that. I'm touched and honored by your kind words!

[@SushilaSumanam]

All three. You are wonderful! And you relit the light back into the darkness of my life. Thank You. Merry Christmas 😊

[@LJPonti]

This is a healing place...I know from experience. Please come back :)

[@katechadbournebard]

@SushilaSumanam Thank you with all my heart. I'm honored and happy to hear that your light is shining forth. I can see it from here and it's beautiful to see!

[@katechadbournebard]

You are so kind to say that, and it means the world to me. ❤

[@marylynch951]

Thank you Katie May God continue protecting you and your family

[@LJPonti]

I love this! Preparation, participation and willingness These are all aspects of intention aren't they...a way to align and be open to what's to come. Thank you for sharing that MOST beautiful prayer! I look forward, as always...

[@CatherineVerrilli]

Yes! I really resonate with what you said about it all being intention. That's so lovely.

[@katechadbournebard]

So beautifully put: "all aspects of intention." Yes! So powerful and empowering. Love to you!

[@Naynay19699]

Your face lights up when you read these beautiful poems and stories ❤ You have a beautiful spirit 🩵🙏🏻😇☘️ Thank you for sharing this

[@r.sch.1505]

Have you noticed that when Kate reads in Irish, she not only seems to beam but also seems to stand up a little and sway in the words? It's almost magical.

[@anngannon5329]

Lovely memories, being generous, lighting a candle.

[@daggy1778]

dear Kate..........I love your videos.........I live here in Germany the irish way......I have an irish advent arrangement with the 5 candles..........3 lila,one rosa,one white.............I have decorated my home this year very christmaslike..................and I told you that I go in a home for elder people.....on Thursdays I read from Books......at the moment the stories from Alice Taylor....;;The Night before Christmas................they love the stories..........................I wish I could understand the irish language,and can speak it............Have a wonderful Christmastime with your family and your beautiful cats......................I will sit here with my Fritz ...........................Blessings and Greetings from Daggy,Kiel,Germany☘☘☘a wonderful song

[@katechadbournebard]

Dear Daggy, you are a GEM. I'm sending you love for Christmas!

[@daggy1778]

@@katechadbournebard sorry,I can,t understand that......what means GEM?

[@anndaley4001]

I am of a Liverpool Irish Catholic family (UK) and on Christmas Eve , before leaving for midnight mass, a big candle is lit and placed in the window with a prayer said for those 'gone before' I had not realised that this was part of a far older tradition

[@jmmoore141]

What wonderful memories your video brought back to me. The candles, hospitality, and the gift of speech to our animal friends. I'm grateful that I found your channel. Thank you so much.

[@NoName-pe5no]

For this year, my husband and I will put candles in the windows. We have to work on the Soltice so we will put electric candles in the widows for that day. We can put more traditional candles in the windows during Christmas. I love that when you share Irish, you give the translation to English. It helps me use Irish more often. Thank you.

[@christinebranham4569]

That was all so beautiful. The hospitality and preparing has been a family tradition for this time of year. But what is needed now is to let the magic and wonder become part of this joyful celebration again. Thanks again.

[@StonedustandStardust]

I love the story of waiting for the holy family

[@katechadbournebard]

I'm so glad. I do, too. ❤

[@yolandavilaviladomiu3311]

I just discovered your chanel and I love it! ❤ Its so rooted, so full of common sense, deep, traditions renewed under the new light of consciousness andcmost important! :love. Bondad, as we say in spanish. Thank you Kate from Castellcir, another beautifull little corner of the world surrounded by wonderfull woods. Thank you❤

[@katechadbournebard]

Welcome! I am truly grateful for your very kind words. This channel is a labor of love for me, and the best part of it is meeting wonderful people like you. So glad you’re here! ❤️

[@MsJilgal]

Love every word of this, Kate❣️Love realizing the roots of little customs my mother observed actually came from her ancestors of 1850s potato famine immigrants. Thank you for your podcast and bless you bountifully for the beautiful energy you radiate out into the world❣️

[@wtrclr83]

Loved this, thank you Kate! 💚 One needs to to speak to kitties about staying grounded amidst internet celebrity 🐱🐱 🤣

[@katechadbournebard]

I know - fame seems to be going to their furry little heads! :)

[@wtrclr83]

💕 🐱 :)

[@jameshopkins7507]

There is magic, if we would but look with our inner eyes guided by a pure and open heart.

[@katechadbournebard]

YES - and so beautifully expressed, too!

[@ttboggins3910]

When the days preparations are done in readiness for Christmas. How lovely it is Kate, to listen to you, reminding me(us) of what it's all about, of why we prepare and that all living beings rejoice.

[@theseriousprepper4372]

The Irish rationale for the candle I did not know. The master and donkey was comfortably dark for Ireland. I liked it. Side note: that is a striking g necklace pendant. 👍🏻 Be well.

[@maryanndaulerio9463]

My favorite custom you spoke of in this video was the second one, regarding the Holy Family traveling over the country on Christmas Eve, prompting an overwhelming hospitality to anyone in need of food, warmth or company. Just beautiful.

[@shannondawn44]

I always have candles in my windows at Christmastime . It's a strong Chritmas tradition in The Canadian Maritimes , and I was always told it went back to us Irish hiding the Priests in safe houses , and the candles in the windows were a sign :) . I loves these tales . Thanks for sharing . Merry Christmas From New Brunswick , Canada

[@RonnieLinnane-xe1si]

Thank you Candle's 🕯️

[@carolinewolf565]

Yes! Everything fresh for the new year! All clean 😂

[@carolinewolf565]

Thank you for the inspiration and knowledge ❤God bless!

[@katechadbournebard]

Love that. A great start to the new year!

[@judycassidy3786]

Kate, every tradition you shared and the way you expressed it, wondrous and beautiful. You, they, bring us in, make us part of the miracle Christmas is, in a warm, welcoming, human way. Thank you! I love every one, and they will surely inform our family's holiday. I love hearing tbe Irish.

[@liffey12321]

I am so grateful for your videos Kate. You are a blessing to this world ☺️🫶

[@angeldawson]

Ahhh Kate, I watch this surrounded by flour, sugar, butter, eggs and so on, and my grandmother's recipes! I usually only bake my mom's Christmas Cake, but this year have been inspired to bake shortbread, mince pies and jam tarts (apricot jam topped with a buttery coconut mixture). The treats I remember so well from my childhood, so I think my "preparation" portion is in the shape of baking this year! ☺️ I don't light candles but I do have some fairy lights outside as well, and to me Christmas is ALWAYS magical... 😆☺️✨💫✨✨✨ Thank you for your beautiful videos. I wish you a blessed and beautiful Christmas 🙏🎄💫✨

[@ritanunez4349]

🌄🌅 Merry Christmas Everyone!! 💫 Perhaps the idea of ​​light to be brought by each one of us is what makes us feel that some magic may be happening... Perhaps, even if hidden somewhere, it may soften the feelings of sadness, loneliness that someone may be feeling...⭐Thank you Kate!

[@katechadbournebard]

That’s beautiful. Thank you!

[@beckykuchinski9114]

Absolutely love your videos. I grew up in a dairy farm in New Jersey, USA. My dad had me convinced (gosh maybe till I was seven or eight) that the cows talked at midnight. I tried so many years to get him to wake me up at midnight so I could hear it, but he never would. Lol.

[@katechadbournebard]

He was protecting their privacy :) Love hearing this and thank you to you for sharing this wonderful memory ❤

[@sunnydavidson297]

Grateful to have found your channel. Also like,"the grace of patience in the face of wrongdoing." And "multipurpose creator." Goal for next year can be the house cleaning. Thank you for reminding us of the important reality of magic. Christmas blessings to you. 🤗🎄🇺🇲- Boston, MA

[@AnnaleeJohnson-p9g]

That has been our way for as long as I can remember and iam 75 years of age.thank you for this

[@soniabirthwright]

We cleaned from top to bottom.there were baking,cooking , candle lighting just beautiful moments ❤️❤️❤️ .

[@katechadbournebard]

Sounds like a lovely and traditional Christmas! ❤️

[@cynthiabotsko2449]

Definitely attempt the cleansing preparations. I love the candles & hospitality... I'm always looking for new ways to represent the "return of the sunlight". And, yes! Letting the magic in... We always find something to bring in the wonder of the season ❤️♾️❤️ I love these stories, dear Kate! Thank you so much for sharing!

[@katechadbournebard]

Hooray for the return of the sunlight, and the candles that intimate that great turning. So lovely to hear about your preparations. Wishing you a blessed season!

[@lindascallon8960]

I love this video! It's so lyrical and lovely. This video reminds me of a favorite Irish author, Alice Taylor. In her book, "An Irish Country Christmas," she elaborates on some of the things you mentioned. Her tales of the season and the Irish countryside sparkle with magic - from the gathering of holly to the capturing of geese. Alice Taylor beautifully recalls the wondrous innocence of youth, where every snow-dusted corner of the landscape holds a joyful surprise.

[@katechadbournebard]

Thank you! I'm honored to be spoken of in the same breath with Alice Taylor. That's such a lovely book, and I love how you describe it.

[@seamusoc6621]

Kate, you are an inspiration to us all, you brought so many memories back to me about my mother and father in rural Ireland, who carried on those traditions and practises.After many years of living abroad, I am now 74 years old, your stories are so beautiful, I feel that you were living in my home, with the open hearth fire and the joy of Christmas. Your knowledge and use of the Irish language is perfect, wish I’d had you as my teacher in my youth. Nollaig Shona agus Dia duit, gurra maith agat.

[@katechadbournebard]

@@seamusoc6621 Your kind words are a great gift to me this Christmas. Go raibh céad maith agat!

[@colleenharris799]

Cloves pressed into oranges, a Solstice altar with greens, lights, bears, a stag, a crow... and the Cloved oranges. For dinner, beef and acorn squash, bread. Lights in the windows. Intentions set. Thank you for your shares. Cute kitties!

[@iouliavvedenskaya3942]

Thank you Kate!

[@eithnecourtney4854]

A truly beautiful video Kate. Many thanks ❤

[@raeafoley6131]

Have always lit candles! Not just around Christmas, but other occasions too, in my window(s), as a centre piece or on a little "alter". Interesting you mentioned the cleaning and white washing, as I had been very tempted the last two weeks or so, washing down all my walls😊

[@francescaohare1421]

I love your videos with my whole heart. I love the affirmation your insights give to the whispers and leanings I have actioned throughout the years. So much information comes through the genetic memory, and I find that I have followed many customs and practices without explicit instruction. Your delivery and interweaving of the lore, literature and lived experience is enchanting ✨️✨️✨️❤️❤️❤️🕯🕯🕯

[@katechadbournebard]

@@francescaohare1421 ❤️

[@SandyAMacKenzie]

Happy Christmas Kate, thanks for such a lovely time

[@katechadbournebard]

Thank you, and a joyful Christmas to you too! 🎄

[@suzi7792]

Thank you Kate ❤❤❤ beautiful vidéo

[@katechadbournebard]

Thank you so much! ❤️

[@MaggieShields-y9r]

Very beautiful Kate. I am kiwi N.Z Irish and the folk law and your stories and sharing of them is beautiful. I like especially the animals have a voice and can talk Xmas Eve. Your kittens are cute I have two burmese boys. Maggie thank you.❤

[@cumberlandquiltchic1]

Beautiful! 🎄😊 thank you for sharing. It gives me such peace to listen and understanding…. 🤗

[@carollynnenarahealy6919]

Oh my how lovely to find you by accident as I sit putting finishing touches on my decorations to be just so for x-mas eve 3 nights away:). I’m in a small trailer in the woods amongst the coyotes, owls, mountain lions and bears on a cold night just after the winter solstice. My last name is Healy on my father’s side; County Cork so I’m told was where his ancestors family lived. Youngest of nine, my oldest sister did all these things and I still do as well so must run in our blood from way back when! I indeed always clean top to bottom and love to make any and all glass shine especially* I do candles on x-mas eve too and I generally welcome those who come and make sure I have plenty of good food and drink to share. What a marvelous surprise and recognition of my roots. Thank you so much for this! Can’t wait to share it with my 8 older siblings spread about here across the United States. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you and yours❤

[@CheapsKate77]

My family roots come from County Cork, as well ☘️ And I agree that these traditions are in our blood because I still do these things that my mom did, which obviously learned it from her mom and grandma.

[@TPforangie]

I believe in the magic 🎄😊💕

[@lottajohansson6790]

What a very amazing poet of the storry ❤

[@katechadbournebard]

Thank you!

[@BethRitterGuth]

I have an orange kitty just like yours, and he is also very naughty! I loved the story about the farmer, as it is a reminder that the magic world is offered to us in many ways, but we shouldn't cheat the experience.

[@mjfowler7955]

I found you by happy accident as sunset approaches this late solstice afternoon. I’m in western Massachusetts, but my maternal grandparents came from Sligo and Mayo. From childhood, my favorite Christmas traditions have been around light, and I’ve long loved the Irish way of a candle to greet the Christ Child or a stranger on Christmas Eve. I’ve been blessed to live in a large house for almost 50 years, and from the eve of Advent I to Epiphany, we’ve had candles (electric!) in 28 windows to light the darkness. May you have a shining, merry and joyous Christmastide!

[@Hmcgowanful]

It looks very peaceful, and our lady statue was unique and again educational and interesting

[@patriciarenou6914]

Lovely to hear all these stories and myths from Ireland ....ancestors all came from Ireland...the O Reilys

[@RonnieLinnane-xe1si]

Oh Kate , thank you thank you, just simplicity.. Listening to you, As Gaeilga. I'm on my own now, this Xmas.. But, yes, The Animals do, Hear what we don't.. Gorra math agut.

[@KevinKelley-tc6lv]

I finally, at age 50, began to discover my Irish heritage...by joining Ancestry and four trips to Ireland and discovering relatives there. I'm usually looking for "things Irish"which is how I found your You Tube channel that I find very calming, entertaining, and educational. One bit of history that I learned the depth of hospitality of the Irish people was in Aneseth Nicholsons second volume that she wrote between 1846 and 1850...the Famine, that said that there was always a fire and the door was always open. That during the famine, the people that she would encounter would always offer a bite of their meager food. Her two books are an in depth education on the Famine.

[@macnacailli]

Would love to see that. Prayer, in Irish, in the note section. And the poem too.

[@marlenejones6266]

Such lovely strong deep words for us to reflect upon this wonderful season. May i say you have the skin of an infant. So smooth and soft and very beautiful pink

[@ceciliavasconcelosholland1182]

Kate dear, your wonderful speech is superb! You speak with soul, gleaming eyes, and always smiling with love…..I was in Ireland last October, and just loved everything linked to its folklore and history. Thanks for this video! I’m from São Paulo, Brazil. 😊

[@katechadbournebard]

I am so glad you were able to experience Ireland's magical folklore and history firsthand! Sending you warmest good wishes and a very Happy New Year in São Paulo! 😊

[@BarbaraRevell]

I💚thank you 😂

[@cynthiadies9055]

Your lovely words have inspired me! Thank you. This year I will be lighting a candle in the kitchen window.

[@SharmaEldridge]

Thank you so very much.

[@katechadbournebard]

I'm so glad you liked it!

[@AlejandraVoena]

Thank you 🎉. ❤

[@katechadbournebard]

I am so glad you enjoyed it!

[@luisamancini7303]

Dear Kate,i love to see your videos and listening to your stories.I don't understand Gaelic but the sound has musicality that's bring you in an ancestral world.Love candles and the preparation of our interior space, Friday school days ends and stard Christmas holidays..iam going to slow down.Thanks to you 🙏🏻

[@Vera-y8m]

I feel that I do the first two, preparing and cleaning myself, soul, and the house, lighting the place and providing a warm welcome and even trying to share kindness, generosity and hospitality. The last one I'm not so sure of but yes I love the idea that the animals kneel for Jesus and aquire the gift of human speech! As someone who talks to the dog cat birds and animals in the fields I just think 'why not?' Thank you for this lovely fun video Kate. Happy Christmas and may the coming year be a good one for you in every way. God bless. Love Vera in Northern Ireland ❤

[@robincrowflies]

Merry Christmas! Bless Us All! Thank you!

[@gilleantinker3788]

Hello dearest Kate, how I enjoy these stories and videos you create, thank you! You and your lovely community may be interested to know the Winter Solstice is live streaming from Newgrange in Ireland on the ‘Office of Public Works’ KZbin channel on 21st December at 8:40am GMT. I watched it a few years ago in lock down (it was a washout 😂 but it was still really special) they even allow a few select members of the community to actually go inside the monument again. Happy Solstice everyone 💛

[@kathryngrace9038]

Your ability to translate poetry is so impressive. I’m bilingual and I’ve never been able to translate poetry well. It’s so hard to retain the spirit and beauty of the original language. Thank you for your beautiful readings and translation!

[@sarahthompson7851]

Listening in from Virginia. I have Irish ☘️ heritage. I loved 🥰 your video!

[@peggygritt2834]

Love this video and message please keep making your wonderful Irish videos

[@monicacampbell6242]

Its si nice to know , of my irish roots. We have to be careful , of leaving lighted candles. In windows. I would have to have a bulb battery one. Just for saftey reasins. You all have a peaceful and merry christmas.

[@katechadbournebard]

That's smart, and best to be safe. Wishing you a Merry Christmas, too!

[@r.sch.1505]

Dearest, wonderful Kate! Got your newsletter and your wonderful gift for your subscribers today 😍 Thank you so much for your generosity and love! And thank you for reminding me to really participate in Christmas - not only by decoration but by focus on love. You are such a bright blessing and I am very thankful that you inspire us sooo much! Dearest greetings from Germany, Rina 😘

[@thraciangrapes]

Thank you, Irish-American here, grandparents from Donegal.

[@audacitytheatre5570]

Since I am writing this on the eve of Christmas--it is too late for the top to bottom house cleansing and whitewash. I usually do the candle ritual, and I surely need more magic right now.

[@katechadbournebard]

I am holding a vision for you of great magic, delightful surprises, and love where you least expect it. Good things are on the way!

[@annetcell-ly4571]

Merry Christmas Kate.

[@louisapdjones]

Preparation has always been a big part of this time of year for me. I grew up in a household that participated in Advent rituals. Later in life the practicality of Advent was obvious to me. I’d like to add the sense that the coming of the light into the world, that sense of the mystical holiness is now and not just past. That idea adds a depth to the preparations that has been missing for me. ❤😊 Seasons Greetings to you all.

[@christinem8383]

My family has always had candles in the windows at Christmas. I'm 60 now with Irish American background. No one ever spoke of the tradition. It just was. Thanks for this explanation. Happy Christmas.

[@MoonStar-fq6oy]

Thank ya Kate for your teaching of the Irish customs Cool looking kitty ❤️🎄✌️

[@avanleek.starre3485]

Thank you for reading both in Gaelic and English the pleasant poetry!! Ii wish more people were like you. 😊❤ There is magic in Amish, if only we could reflect that more in our daily lives! Love and light from BC, Canada. Merry Christmas dear one.♈💖💕

[@susancarpenter9038]

"May we have the grace of patience in the face of wrong-doing." This touches me kindly. I also love to hear all of this: the cleaning of the house, the candles lit for the Holy Family or for any wanderer, the open doors, the poetry you read to us. Many thanks!

[@micheleh4016]

Beautiful.

[@AliciaLopez-nb1ye]

Thanks for sharing all this Kate! I love the three aspects we can pay special attention to in this season: Preparing my physical space, cultivating hospitality and letting the magic touch me. Also, I love seeing your kittens running around 😍

[@katechadbournebard]

It is such a joy to share these customs with you and the kittens are delighted to be featured in this video! 😄

[@davidcalder9398]

What a lovely post, Kate. Clean house, candles, cats and hospitality; Jesus visits, loved that one! Poetry galore and stories to tell. Decking the halls that all may be well. What a feast we'll have at that time; listen my friend its the bell that they chime. Peace, joy and happiness through the season Kate. Have yourself a merry little Christmass and may God continue to bless you, Thanks for the post...Dave

[@1rainbowbridge]

Dear Kate, you appeared in the feed and I was moved by your joy, kindness and positive radiation. My answer to your question which of the 3 things I would do, I can tell you that I do the 2 last ones and the first I will sure start doing next year if I am still granted to be around. I am going to be 77 in May and will love to stay a while longer. I am still healthy, happy and active in life. Love from Augusta 😊

[@noreenodriscoll7746]

Hi Kate I love you're videos and stories ,I live in West Cork Ireland ,and as a child I remember my grandmother's and my mother would do exactly like you said ,the house would be cleaned and a spring of holly would be put over every picture and a candle was put in every window ,we where also told the candles where to healp the lost souls home and to send light and hope to all the imigrants who had imigrated in the hope they would return ,the fire would be left lit in the herth so they would have heath when they came home and food would be left out for them ,happy christmas kate to you and youres and to all youre viewers ,love from bantry bay ,west cork ❤️🙏🎄🇨🇮💚🍀

[@gardendelight579]

Precious....thank you very much dear Kate! Loved everything about your kind traditional sharing . Loved hearing you read the poems in Irish....so beautiful! I was born in Israel with an orthodox Jewish upbringing. Thankfully my beloved grandfather and father held dear other religions and traditions.....so I cherish that...and when you mentioned Bethlehem, and the magical wondering at night... the wide open doors....and the sharing of food with the needy... it touched me....thank you! Happy holidays and blessed new year!:) Nava נאוה

[@katechadbournebard]

Nava, I am so happy that these customs resonated with you. We are connected by hospitality, love, and magic!

[@carolinewilliams8482]

You’ve just reignited my love of Christmas with the candles in the windows. I make my own and I ‘ve just realised why 🥰💚 Also, my dad, from Roscommon, always brought in boughs of holly to signify the log Just beautiful. Doilch yn fawr Iain. Nadolig Llawen & Nollaig Shona Duit 💚

[@peggydeis8415]

Hello Kate, I just stumbled upon your page this morning, im second generation Irish American and I'm always interested in folklore and history of my Irish ancestors. Merry Christmas ❤

[@katechadbournebard]

You're a true descendant of the storytelling tradition. Merry Christmas!🎄