SEASONS - Things to Do in December in Ireland
December crept up on us amidst some sneezes and confusion about PCR tests and antigen tests. Hence we’re a weekend in and the decorations and Advent things are emerging tardy from the garage.
December is a flurry of activity with shopping and working. This year is different as the schools are cancelling events daily so there are less costumes and crafts. But there are some lovely things to do instead.
Start the Advent countdown on the 1st
Our Advent calendar is one that you can fill yourself every year. I like to include stationary items, motivational phrases, chocolates or sweets, small toys, ideas/games to try, and personalised novelty items. For the children I love little paper quotes by Winne the Pooh! Furthermore, it is fun to add a few To Do things that you might have planned for a Saturday night, like Decorate the Tree or Make Cookies (and the treat that day could be a cookie cutter).
On Pinterest I have seen gorgeous book Advent calendars - 24 wrapped books on the mantelpiece, what a treat. However, I can’t imagine the reality of 24 books unless they were Mr Men books or similar, for little people.
Enjoy a pint of prawns and a Guinness by the sea
This is one of my favourite treats and there seems no better time than in the frosty cold to do this. Kevin Dundon has a great recipe here Pint of Prawns and Guinness recipe. If you want to keep it really simple, buy some fresh cooked prawns (shell on) and make up a Marie Rose sauce (I love to add a splash of brandy to it) , let the Guinness settle, then eat and drink.
Drive through the city at night to see the lights
One of my favourite childhood memories was peering into the Brown Thomas windows before Christmas. The magic of the displays, the glamour and the lights, it carried me to another world.
When we moved back to Ireland I embraced all these traditions and we raced to Dublin to be there for the turning on of the Christmas lights. Unfortunately the children were too little, it was too cold and crowded, and we ended up leaving before the crucial time. This year, we’ve decided on a Christmas drive through the streets.
Make rum punch and drink it while decorating the tree and listening to Christmas tunes
Lately I have been pining for Caribbean Christmas tunes. I often find mulled wine too sickly and sweet, so a spiced rum punch will be my Christmas drink for putting up the tree. I have a good recipe on my Antiguan blog that you can find here Antiguan Rum Punch recipe.
These are the Antiguan Christmas carols we’ll be listening too: Island Academy Christmas Carols. I can almost feel the sun on my face!
Celebrate the Winter solstice and Midwinter on the 21st with a firepit outside
The pagan festival of Yule begins on the 21st of December and lasts through the shortest days of the year until January 1st. The Celts thought the Sun stood still for 12 days during the darkest time of the year, and they would light logs to keep away evil and welcome in good fortune. At the same time, Christianity was spreading through Europe and some traditions overlapped and we sill hold on to them now.
Play Flaming Raisins on Christmas Eve
This old Victorian parlour game is a riot. Heat brandy and place it on a warm shallow plate. Add raisins to it, set the brandy alight and turn off the lights. Then take it in turns to grab raisins from the flame and try not to get burnt! Perhaps a good one before playing charades by candlelight.