Tell me about christmas in Ireland (admin update in post 89)

Nopeare · 14-11-2012 6:30pm

Just after reading through the thread, AmyFitz91 it is such a nice thing your family have done for your father.

ibarelycare has summed up the 2 streets perfectly imo, I love Grafton street for Christmas myself the minute the lights go on just love being around that area at night there is all ways such a nice atmosphere. Henry street as explained is a must as well.

I wish your family a happy Christmas hope it is a magical one

Heroditas · 14-11-2012 7:13pm

fishy fishy wrote: »

Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve night - lots of people attend his. In the 80's you would also have the lads coming home from the Christmas Eve lock-in in the pub, and they the mass in at midnight before they went home. Back of the church, full of drunk people, laughing, singing, sniggering. Was worth going to mass just for the entertainment. Not sure if this still goes on as I "found the light" in the 80's and realized that god is just about as "real" as Santa

Most churches moved their "midnight mass" back to earlier in the evening to times like 8.30 or 9pm to specifically reduce the number of people arriving at mass from the pub. It was becoming a joke by the mid 90s with the number of people staggering from the pub to go to mass "for the craic".
I'm not in any way religious but I can see how many people would be royally peed off with people staggering in the door for the only time of the year for their "bit of tradition" and then disrupt what is, for a lot of people, an important religious ceremony for them.
Each to their own I suppose.

mathepac · 14-11-2012 7:34pm

Rasmus wrote: »

... Forget Love/Hate - this is the cracker of 2012!!

It's the way you tell them!

14-11-2012 7:53pm

What a wonderful present for your Dad! I'm just back from a holiday in Florida and my husband is trying to tempt me into going back over from Mayo next year! Christmas in Mayo is wonderful - and cold. There is a Christmas market in Galway for the month of December, also there is usually one in Westport on one of the weekends running up to Christmas. There is an early evening Mass in Knock Shrine if you re near to there, think its 7.30 and again at Midnight. They have a beautiful choir and the Church is lit by candles. The toy show is on tv on November 30th, so your Dad can write his letter after that!! We had some snow in 09 for Christmas in my part and a LOT of it for Christmas 2010. Just trying to think of things off the top of my head....happy planning!

Rachineire · 15-11-2012 1:47am

No selection boxes in America! Make sure you have plenty of tins of roses and quality street- I love that about Christmas in Ireland. And looking over the RTE Christmas guide with my husband planning what movies to watch Christmas eve and Stephens day and etc. I'm from the states and while I miss my Christmas's with my family I find I like the actual celebration here more. Less stress, more.focus on good cheer!

fishy fishy · 15-11-2012 10:16am

Heroditas wrote: »

Most churches moved their "midnight mass" back to earlier in the evening to times like 8.30 or 9pm to specifically reduce the number of people arriving at mass from the pub. It was becoming a joke by the mid 90s with the number of people staggering from the pub to go to mass "for the craic".
I'm not in any way religious but I can see how many people would be royally peed off with people staggering in the door for the only time of the year for their "bit of tradition" and then disrupt what is, for a lot of people, an important religious ceremony for them.
Each to their own I suppose.

as a kid being allowed to midnight mass and giggling at the "craig" was one of the highlights of christmas. Couldn't beat it for entertainment

mathepac · 15-11-2012 7:14pm

Rachineire wrote: »

... I'm from the states ...

And you're only here a week!! Well done Rachel, (? from rach-in-eire) you got most of that right, even Shtephense's day except

Rachineire wrote: »

... what movies to watch Christmas eve and Stephens day and etc. ...

fillums pet, fillums; they were called fillums until Uncle Gaybo of the Geansais renamed them "films" and all them fecken Americans landed here and they became movies overnight ... oops, sorry, Fr. Jack started early

fishy fishy · 16-11-2012 10:14am

Mayo Gurl wrote: »

What a wonderful present for your Dad! I'm just back from a holiday in Florida and my husband is trying to tempt me into going back over from Mayo next year! Christmas in Mayo is wonderful - and cold. There is a Christmas market in Galway for the month of December, also there is usually one in Westport on one of the weekends running up to Christmas. There is an early evening Mass in Knock Shrine if you re near to there, think its 7.30 and again at Midnight. They have a beautiful choir and the Church is lit by candles. The toy show is on tv on November 30th, so your Dad can write his letter after that!! We had some snow in 09 for Christmas in my part and a LOT of it for Christmas 2010. Just trying to think of things off the top of my head....happy planning!

the "new" Christmas market in Galway (only two years old, three this year) is crap compared to the authentic market which is held every Saturday and Sunday in Galway. The authentic market also opens during December on most days.

the "christmas" market contains a lot of "tack" that people in their right mind would never buy - there are maybe 5 "local" stalls there that sell Irish goods. The rest is overpriced rubbish and overpriced food. Stick to the local market if you want to purchase something nice and different and not overpriced - I'll probably get slated for this post but thats my opinion and I am sticking to it. I did visit the "christmas" market for the past two years and couldn't wait to get out of it. Keep your hands on your handbags as well.

msbusterpuss · 16-11-2012 10:50am

fishy fishy wrote: »

the "new" Christmas market in Galway (only two years old, three this year) is crap compared to the authentic market which is held every Saturday and Sunday in Galway. The authentic market also opens during December on most days.

the "christmas" market contains a lot of "tack" that people in their right mind would never buy - there are maybe 5 "local" stalls there that sell Irish goods. The rest is overpriced rubbish and overpriced food. Stick to the local market if you want to purchase something nice and different and not overpriced - I'll probably get slated for this post but thats my opinion and I am sticking to it. I did visit the "christmas" market for the past two years and couldn't wait to get out of it. Keep your hands on your handbags as well.

Im going down there on the 1st December specifically for the Christmas markets - where is the authentic market so I can hit there also?

Alicat · 16-11-2012 11:38am

msbusterpuss wrote: »

Im going down there on the 1st December specifically for the Christmas markets - where is the authentic market so I can hit there also?

I'm sure it'll still be fun, sometimes a bit of 'tack' is great

fishy fishy · 16-11-2012 3:44pm

msbusterpuss wrote: »

Im going down there on the 1st December specifically for the Christmas markets - where is the authentic market so I can hit there also?

head down the main street of the town (shop street). When you hit the turn off at Griffins bakery (on the left), just look to your right - the authentic market is right in front of you (behind Bank of Ireland and Tigh Coli bar). Much better than the rubbish in Eyre Square.

Rachineire · 16-11-2012 4:33pm

mathepac wrote: »

And you're only here a week!! Well done Rachel, (? from rach-in-eire) you got most of that right, even Shtephense's day except fillums pet, fillums; they were called fillums until Uncle Gaybo of the Geansais renamed them "films" and all them fecken Americans landed here and they became movies overnight ... oops, sorry, Fr. Jack started early

Haha I've,actually been here three years now!! Going to be my third Christmas in Ireland!!

Rachineire · 16-11-2012 4:37pm

Ps I hate when people say fillum drives me mad!! I've slowly started to Americanize my husband on a few words- he says movies instead of fillums and soda instead of minerals hehe!! Much to the displeasure of his mammy!

fishy fishy · 16-11-2012 5:30pm

Rachineire wrote: »

Ps I hate when people say fillum drives me mad!! I've slowly started to Americanize my husband on a few words- he says movies instead of fillums and soda instead of minerals hehe!! Much to the displeasure of his mammy!

i hate when people say "movies".

Rachineire · 16-11-2012 5:38pm

fishy fishy wrote: »

i hate when people say "movies".

Haha two sides of the same coin there!

Mars Bar · 16-11-2012 6:41pm

Aw damn now I've got tears in my eyes!
I'm so happy for your Dad!

If you're heading to Galway for a day from Mayo, you'll probably pass through my town. Stop in for a cup of tea if ya want!

DebDynamite · 16-11-2012 7:16pm

amyfitz91 wrote: »

He wants to bring us all to Brown Tomas? and pick out gifts because apparently its amazing during the holidays and it was his ambition when he was younger to buy something there for his family for the holidays if he had the money.

Ah, that had me in tears, it really did.

By the sounds of things your father has made a wonderful life for himself, great career, caring family, plus the swimming pool in sunny California! He'll be a proud man buying your gifts in Brown Thomas

Hope you all have the most amazing time over here. Please keep us updated in the run-up to the trip!

caff · 16-11-2012 7:27pm

fishy fishy wrote: »

i hate when people say "movies".

What about pictures?

mathepac · 17-11-2012 6:54am

caff wrote: »

What about pictures?

De pitchers is good.

Pappacharlie · 17-11-2012 8:41am

Just read your post. I'm from Mayo and the things you describe, I could have written your post myself. I hope you have a fantastic trip. I think that the thing that sets an Irish Christmas apart from any other is "family & friends".
I'm in my late 40's (I'd say around your Dad's vintage). During my lifetime I can recall about two or three white christmases so don't be disappointed if you don't see snow. There are some predictions of a cold spell around then.
The days are short at that time of year. Sun up is around 8.30AM and sunset shortly after 4pm. Cold and damp is more normal type of weather so bring lots of warm clothes!!

I'm not a particularly religious person but do attend Christmas Eve Mass. Start time is now 7 or 8 pm, it used to be a Mid-night Mass but they changed the start time because you sometimes got people with a little drink taken attending! The atmosphere is always special, the anticipation and excitement of the children is palpable! Most people get together with their families after Mass.

Christmas morning is special. Sometimes it can be an anticlimax but when you look back at the day its always magic.
St Stephen's Day (26th) is another big day. In our family we all go to the pub around 4pm. We have 3 or 4 drinks meet all the people who are home for Christmas, then return home around 7pm and have a big family dinner again.

Thank you for posting because your post made me think how very lucky we are here and just how special an Irish (Mayo) Christmas can be. I hope it lives up to your expectations and do PLEASE update us on your time spent here.

Your Dad is one lucky man!!

amyfitz91 · 24-11-2012 2:20pm

I cannot believe that I'm going to be in Ireland this time next week. I initially thought be were leaving here on November 27th to arrive on the 28th but we are actually leaving on November 26th to arrive the 27th. I'm so stoked and excited to fly out on Monday. We had a fun thanksgiving but all dad could think about was that his next holiday dinner will be at home in Mayo with his family. I'm excited to see my cousins over Christmas. We're really close with me being in Ireland almost every year and them coming to Cali often.
I've pretty much packed and dad is working a lot so he'll be packing last minute Monday evening before we leave for the airport. I'm up in the middle of the night talking on Skype to each of my cousins writing lists for what they'd like. I'll be hitting Abercrombie, hollister, mac and a bunch of other stores in the mall later for them! We're all paying for an extra case to bring all their stuff.
I'll write another update soon. My granny has told me that it's crazy cold in mayo at the moment and there's a chance of snow this week. This has gotten my sister and I ridiculously excited!
Again thank you so much for the amazingly friendly replies to this thread. It's built up my excitement so much!

Amy

24-11-2012 2:53pm

Pack your thermals Amy!! Jack Frost arrived last night for a visit and it is COLD today! Safe journey

Q_ueeny · 25-11-2012 10:33am

I have been reading this thread from the start and it really has brought a tear to my eye a number of times!

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas here in Ireland

Oh and you will LOVE Brown Thomas im sure!

paddy147 · 25-11-2012 2:54pm

Mayo Gurl wrote: »

Pack your thermals Amy!! Jack Frost arrived last night for a visit and it is COLD today! Safe journey

-2 degrees is warm.:P

You need to toughen the skin and body up so more.;):D

Whispered · 25-11-2012 10:05pm

Amy have a fab trip. I think this is one of the nicest threads. Really.

Please update us when you get home, I'll be dying to hear how you all got on.

Looking at the weather now, you are going to be freezing! Big coats, comfy warm boots, hat, scarf, gloves. Loads of lip balm too!

While you're here and freezing, imagine that on every Christmas Day and St. Stephens Day some people go for a swim in the sea to raise money for charities! Madness!

amyfitz91 · 26-11-2012 8:06pm

Well it's morning time here in Cali and I am running round my house with total excitement! Dad has just returned home from a night shift and mom is helping him pack. My sister and I are popping out to the mall in a bit to buy yet more makeup for my Irish cousins. We also have four iPad minis to pick up, all requested by my aunts and uncles as gifts for my cousins! It's crazy to think I'll be seeing them all tomorrow. Once I get home from the mall we'll be leaving for the airport where we'll fly to London, then to Dublin where we'll be greeted by my very excited grandparents. Granny texted me this morning (it's ridiculous how tech savvy you get when your son lives half way across the world) to tell me that she was getting all my dads favourite foods in and will be baking the things she always baked on Toyshow night! I think she's almost more excited than we are.
So! I guess this is my last update before I arrive back in Ireland. I'll try to post as soon as I can once I arrive in Ireland and her jetlag has worn of a little! I hope you guys are beginning to get in the Christmas spirit. I know I am!

Amy

Big Nasty · 26-11-2012 8:14pm

Best of luck and safe trip to y'all!

fox_1973 · 26-11-2012 8:50pm

Have a safe journey and most of all enjoy your stay, its sounds like you will all have a fab Christmas together!

Mars Bar · 26-11-2012 11:22pm

Safe journey Amy! (And family!)

flanzer · 26-11-2012 11:41pm

Boards meet up in the airport tomorrow???

Rasmus · 27-11-2012 12:32am

Aw Amy have an awesome trip! Your granny sounds lovely and I am so happy for you all!! Enjoy!!

itac · 28-11-2012 11:51am

Amy & family, just wanted to say safe trip, and thank you for bringing a smile to my face (I'm usually a Christmas Grinch!) I totally concur with Whispered, this is possibly the sweetest thread I've read on boards in a long time!
Have a fantastic time here, I hope ye get at least a white few days at some point!xx

Loughc · 28-11-2012 11:55am

itac wrote: »

Amy & family, just wanted to say safe trip, and thank you for bringing a smile to my face (I'm usually a Christmas Grinch!) I totally concur with Whispered, this is possibly the sweetest thread I've read on boards in a long time!
Have a fantastic time here, I hope ye get at least a white few days at some point!xx

Well while it certainly is frosty and cold today, I can't see us getting snow this year! Although I'd love it if we did!

cutymonalisa · 28-11-2012 10:09pm

Amy's story to go viral??!

http://www.thejournal.ie/back-in-ireland-for-first-christmas-in-30-years-whats-it-like-693282-Nov2012/

Heroditas · 28-11-2012 10:11pm

This story is becoming famous:

thejournal.ie

Well done everyone!

angeldaisy · 28-11-2012 10:17pm

nice to see something positive reported on:D

Can't wait to read more updates on Amy & her family.

Hope you all have the best time ever

Trojan · 28-11-2012 10:28pm

Admin

We're verifying some of the information in this thread, which will be re-opened in due course. Thanks in advance for your patience.

Khannie · 29-11-2012 12:08am

Folks, I hate to do this, but it has to be done.

This thread came to the attention of the admins earlier today due to the positive story. Unfortunately it quickly became clear to us that the story may not have been true. We investigated and ultimately discovered that this was the case.

We have identified the original poster, who is a psychology student in Ireland. He has admitted to us that he is doing a college project on the emotions that Christmas evokes. His position is that he believed he was not doing any harm with this thread, which is a believable position. We have asked the original poster to come back to this thread and post up a full disclosure of the background and his intentions here which you will see below.

This does have the potential to be a very interesting study of psychology, but perhaps not in the way they originally intended.

Christmas is a magical time, and it was a difficult decision for us to make in deciding to "out" this, but given the possibility that people might travel to the airport, and the desire to be open and honest, we had to call a halt to this story.

amyfitz91 wrote:

Dear Everyone,

Unfortunately this thread has gotten out of hand and the response out of proportion. The truth is that I am a psychology student. I was told a story very similar to the one above last year that actually did occur and my response was emotional as was the response of everyone else that heard it. For this reason I decided to do a project this year on the effect of Christmas spirit on people's emotions and decided to use boards.ie as my medium for interpreting the response of a complete stranger to hearing such a story. Your response was amazing and proved that Christmas spirit really does bring out the best in people. I do feel awful about how it's grown out of proportion but feel you should all know. The event did happen last year for a family in a part of Ireland and I just thought that it would be of no harm to carry out my project and also spread some Christmas cheer. I did not intend to hurt or upset anyone and was not expecting such an unprecedented response. So to all you lovely people, I am extremely sorry.

I will reopen this thread shortly to give people the right to reply. Please try to keep things civil.

Khannie · 29-11-2012 12:22am

Thread reopened.

Mars Bar · 29-11-2012 12:26am

...quite the downer!

Trojan · 29-11-2012 12:27am

Just a minor correction:

Khannie wrote: »

This thread came to the attention of the admins earlier today due to the positive story.

Please read as: "This thread came to the attention of the admins earlier because Khannie is a cynical b*****d".

Gordon · 29-11-2012 12:29am

New addition to Santa's naughty list methinks!

Rasmus · 29-11-2012 12:34am

So her dad wasn't the first man in Ireland in the 80s to have the money for American medical school!

Trojan · 29-11-2012 12:37am

The OP does allege that the original premise of the thread is a true story.

Q_ueeny · 29-11-2012 12:38am

I was really looking forward to Amy's next update and all!

Kylo Ren · 29-11-2012 12:38am

Hahaha, this is hilarious.

Loughc · 29-11-2012 12:39am

Trojan wrote: »

The OP does allege that the original premise of the thread is a true story.

Still doesn't take the sting out of feeling duped. Oh well it was a nice story while it lasted, that's it, Christmas spirit is ruined for the year!

I feel so used...

:P

TheMilkyPirate · 29-11-2012 12:39am

hahahaha this is brilliant!! :pac:

Bobby42 · 29-11-2012 12:45am

Bah hum bug!

Trojan · 29-11-2012 12:48am

I think his lecturer needs to bump the priority of the "Ethics in Psychology" module. This would be a great case study.

Tell me about christmas in Ireland (admin update in post 89)

Comments