Spending any holiday far from home is hard, but it can be even harder when it’s one of the year’s biggest holidays and you’re an ocean away. For me, spending the Christmas season in Ireland has brought about a lot of challenges. But it’s also brought about a lot of joy as I make memories with new friends and discover new Christmas traditions in a wonderful new place.
Here I am with this giant cool rock in the gardens of the famous Blarney Castle, Co. Cork.
For students studying abroad in the fall semester, like me, the Christmas season can bring up conflicting feelings. On the one hand, I’m excited to go home and see my family and friends back in the States, but I’m also sad to leave the new friends I’ve made and this place I’ve come to know and love. For me, this experience has really emphasized that Christmastime is about connection and togetherness. Luckily, the Irish people are really good at prioritizing those two things, especially during this festive season.
Spending time together is one of the staples of an Irish Christmas, whether admiring the elaborate lights that adorn nearly every city’s downtown, attending a party in your favorite cozy jumper, or enjoying a delicious Christmas dinner. In Maynooth, where I’m studying, students even organize their own simulated Christmas Day (ours is on the 18th) before everyone goes home for the real thing so we can celebrate with their friends.
Christmas markets are another holiday staple in Ireland. I went to both the renowned Galway Christmas Market and the much smaller Connemara Christmas Craft Fair in Connemara National Park. In Galway, the market was bustling with food trucks, light displays, carnival rides, and, of course, vendors in festively decorated booths. The craft fair was much more quaint. Nestled between the beautiful mountains of the Connemara region known as the Twelve Bens, local artists, bakers, woodworkers, and many others displayed beautiful handmade goods in the cozy Visitors’ Centre of the park.
The Ferris wheel at the Galway Christmas Market.
Music is also a huge part of Christmas in Ireland, as it is for pretty much anything over here. As part of the Chamber Choir at Maynooth, I performed at the annual Carol Service in the beautiful, ornate College Chapel. The place was packed with people, including the famous singer (and Maynooth alumnus) Dermott Kennedy and the Taoiseach (Prime Minister) of Ireland! I will never forget singing Silent Night in Irish (Oíche Chúin) with my amazing choir friends while admiring the gorgeous stained glass windows of the chapel. I was just in awe of the whole experience and will treasure it forever.
Here is the view of the choir during the annual Maynooth Carol Service in the beautiful College Chapel.
Studying abroad is all about experiencing a new culture with traditions different than your own. It might sometimes feel scary or sad, but there’s also so much wonder and joy in participating in a new culture and all its amazing, unique customs and traditions.
Nollaig shona! Merry Christmas!