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Four Irish ways to weather the holidays
Written by Ciaran on Dec 19, 2025 | 6 Comments
The holiday season can get more than a little hectic. If you're feeling a little worse for wear with all the festivities, you might enjoy trying some traditional Irish ways to weather the season!
1) Get moving like the Wren Boys
This isnāt a new exercise craze, but an old Irish tradition that survives in many parts of Ireland to this day. In Irish towns, especially in the south, many work off holiday excesses and connect with their community through manic dancing and parading through the streets on December 26th.
"Wren Boys" on St. Stephen's Day, in Athea, Co. Limerick (December 26th 1946)
Dressed in elaborate disguises, the āWren Boysā, which includes men, women and children, take their chance to come together outdoors, let off steam, and move after what can be an exciting and even overwhelming time.
Of course, you neednāt go all out like the Wren Boys and get dressed up! Just getting out in the air for a winter walk may leave you feeling refreshed and ready for more holiday fun. You never know who or what you might find!
Irish deer in Pheonix park in the heart of Dublin
Photo Credit: Garry Walsh
2) Try not to overindulge
We know this one is tricky and we can't say we manage it either. With all the delicious food and drinks around during the holidays, it can be hard to avoid overdoing it!
But this old Irish phrase holds a good bit of truth: "BĆonn blas ar an mbeagĆ”n", - "There's greater taste in a little bit." A phrase that I will attempt to keep in mind again this holiday season! I'll didn't quite manage it last year but worth a shot.
3) Get the Cure
If you do overindulge and find yourself feeling a little the worse for wear you might need a āCure.ā The Cure encompasses all manner of folk medicine for various ailments, found in every town and village around Ireland. These cures can include nettle soup, raw onion, or mushrooms boiled in milk for curing colds, upset stomachs, and other minor ailments.
Most of these cures sound a little strange, and some are entirely unpalatable and possibly downright dangerous, but a few have turned out to hold more than a little truth:
If you can't lay your hands on some magic Irish soil or May day nettles, a favorite cure in many households, including my own, is a hot Irish whiskey. Drunk at the first sign of a cold, this cure has the added bonus that even if it doesnāt get rid of the cold, you should still feel a little happier right away!
Be warned thoug: this only works with ONE! Any more than that, and you might need another famous cure, this time for a hangover.
Many Irish people joke that a small drink - "the hair of the dog that bit you" - helps if you have overindulged on hot whiskey, or any other alcohol for that matter. But if you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, perhaps it is best to follow yet another piece of Irish advice:
"GĆ”ire maith agus codladh fada, an dĆ” leigheas is fearr i leabhar an dochtĆŗra." A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures in the doctorās book.
4) Be kind to yourself (and everyone else)
With all the hectic running around and sometimes unrealistic expectations, a wonderful Irish phrase that can be helpful to remember is "Is leor Ć³ MhĆ³r a dĆcheall" or "All one can do is one's best." Easily said but perhaps not so easily done, it's an apt reminder to try to "go easy" on yourself and others doing their best. A little kindness goes a long way, especially at this time of year.
Did we miss anything?
Of course, not everyone in Ireland observes all these traditions and we are certain we have missed more than a few. If we've missed your favorite way to weather the season, do let us know in the comments below! Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy Holiday season from all at My Irish Jeweler, wherever you are in the world.
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Ciaran
My Irish Jeweler
Born in Co. Antrim and reared in Dublin, I was fascinated with Gaelic culture from an early age. I suppose it's not surprising given my mother inherited a grĆ” for the Irish language from my grandfather, an Irish school headmaster. And that grĆ” continues! My brother and sister are now Gaelic teachers here in Ireland, my niece is an award winning Irish dancer, and I proudly work to share Irish culture through our Irish and Celtic Jewelry at My Irish Jeweler!
I love researching and reading about the history of Irish design. It's at the core of what we do here at My Irish Jeweler. I find much of it so interesting that I have to share what I find. I hope you enjoy it!
Comments
Thanks for shariing
I am fascinated by my irish heritage.
My great grandmother was born in Galway she did teach me a wee bit if Garlic when i was in 3rd grade
Happy New Year, Cheers ššāļø
Hi Dawn, thanks for your note! We're so glad to have you here. It's fantastic that you have a strong connection with Ireland -- we love to hear from friends like yourself! Happy New Year.
Thank you! Love these articles!! Brings deeper connection and understanding of my Irish ancestry. Makes me feel less homesick for Ireland. Cannot wait to return to the home of my ancestors.
Gratefully,
Meg
Detroit, Michigan š®šŖššŗšø
That's so special to hear, thanks Meg! We're delighted you're a reader and that you've taken the time to comment -- we're excited to share more pieces like this in the New Year so hope you'll find more gems there! Happy New Year.
Ask Gemma
Iām always excited to hear about my heritage. I still have cousins in Belfast and hope to return to visit again soon. My husband and I are also both fans of your jewelry. My latest was a Celtic knit bangle bracelet. ā¤ļø
Thank you all. Happy New Year
Mary