This year more than ever before, families across the world are seeking out ways to keep the magic and tradition of Christmas alive. The connections will be greater than ever between home and abroad as people become more creative to battle out the challenges imposed by the travel restrictions which has put a halt to worldwide travel and homecomings.
Traditions enjoyed by the different generations in Irish families will be more poignant than ever - so how can these be re-created both at home and abroad?
With over 80 million people around the world claiming Irish connections this will bring a lot of Irish flavor to far-flung destinations in every corner of the globe as families reinforce their shared bonds of Irishness and celebrate traditions together even if far apart and try to feel connected.
The tradition of a gift from Ireland
The recent success of the Made Local campaign and other Buy Irish campaigns to showcase Ireland’s design and craft sector has shown the appetite for Irish pieces of jewelry, fashion and crafts. These celebrations of Irish creativity have inspired buyers across the globe to think about home and the talented makers across the country. A gift from Ireland under the tree is a way of introducing a new tradition as people this year are encouraged to ‘love what you give’ and support local makers. All the products at Rings from Ireland are bonafide Irish and made by talented regional craftsmen in Ireland. The headquarters are in County Louth based near some of Ireland’s most important historic sites which some of the jewelry is inspired by. For those that cannot do their shopping in Ireland this year and walk Grafton Street, Shop Street or enjoy the atmosphere on the main streets of their local village or town shopping centers, it’s now the year to send them a gift from Ireland and start that tradition.
The tradition of singing - rebooted on screen
Music transcends all boundaries and live music is central to Christmas celebrations all over the world and hugely in Ireland. With TikTok, Zoom and FaceTime and the use of technology to connect us, the tradition of singing around the fire on Christmas evenings has now been rebooted and grandchildren have been performing throughout the year for grandparents and generations are surprising each other with their innovations and many going viral. Music and dancing have connected people more than ever this year and the tradition of a singalong will be reinvented for Christmas 2020 and it looks like there will be Christmas global karaoke like never before transcending the time zones!
A candle in the window - going global
A candle in the window - a tradition introduced by President Mary Robinson a number of years ago designed as a welcome and symbol for all emigrants is a beautiful and evocative image of Ireland. It’s a very important symbol for those in Ireland and abroad and a reinvention of ‘burning the yule log’. It was further reinvented this year as a symbol of gratitude to health workers and those who lost their lives during the pandemic. But this year it will spark joy as people light a candle in their own windows worldwide whether it’s in the heat of Melbourne or the deep snow of Cleveland. Unwrapping Secret Santa presents on a video call, carol concerts for cousins or opening up the advent calendars every morning with grandparents online while staying in Christmas pyjamas - there is fun and togetherness in keeping traditions alive.
From Christmas baking parties on screen to virtual office parties on zoom; wrapping presents and decorating the tree with the iPad on to share with siblings abroad, to interactive late night family quizzes this Christmas it’s all about reinventing traditions and creating new ones.