New Year’s Day

How important is New Year’s Day to you?

I must confess that it doesn’t rate in my days of celebration. I do like having a nice roast with all the trimmings but as that is a weekly event for me it being the first day of the year doesn’t really mean anything.

It is a holiday which I have never celebrated but I am in the process of planning for 6th January. Nollaig na mBan, Little Christmas, Christmas Day, Epiphany, Three Kings Day or 12th Night. It has many names.

Nollaig na mBan or ladies Christmas has become a celebration for women throughout Ireland. What was the final day of Christmas when women did not have to work in the home has now become a great celebration. It is a celebration of the joy of female friendship.

Dinner on the 6th comprises of a roast dinner. Roast beef, roast potatoes, roast vegetables accompanied by rich gravy. Pudding is mincemeat crumble cake. The beef is on order from our local butcher, vegatables will be collected on the day and the mincemeat is already made and waiting. So it is only a matter of roasting or baking and the laying of the table. Beside each place setting will be a little present. a packet of playing cards, a sewing set, a diary. A small token to symbolise friendship among family and friends.

However you may be celebrating January 6th I hope you have a wonderful day.