Christmas is only a few days away, and I want to share some lovely Irish Christmas blessings with you. This festive time of year is when we ideally meet family and celebrate the holidays together.
So, why do Irish people use Irish Christmas blessings?
Irish Christmas blessings are often intended to bring good fortune and health in the upcoming year. They also serve as heartfelt expressions of goodwill, love, and hope, making them a cherished part of the holiday tradition.
Irish Sayings for Christmas
The Irish term for Christmas is “Nollaig Shona Dhuit” (pronounced ‘Null-ig hun-a dit’), which translates to “Merry Christmas” in English. Another charming phrase you might hear is “Go mbeire muid beo ar an am seo arís,” meaning “May we be alive at this time next year.” This traditional Irish blessing reflects hope and goodwill for the future, especially during the holiday season.
Importantly, these blessings are a wonderful addition to Christmas Day celebrations. On Christmas Day, many people in Ireland gather with their families for a large lunch. A toast or blessing might be said to honour loved ones who are no longer with us. In addition, cards and gifts are exchanged, often accompanied by warm and meaningful words.
20 Irish Christmas Blessings
Here are 20 lovely Irish Christmas blessings to inspire and uplift you this festive season:
- May peace and plenty be the first to lift the latch at your door, and happiness be guided to your home by the candle of Christmas.
- May the good saints protect you and bless you today, and may trouble ignore you each step of the way. Christmas joy to you!
- May the blessings of Christmas be with you, may the Christ Child light your way, may God’s holy angels guide you, and keep you safe each day.
- Nollaig faoi shéan is faoi shaonas duit! — A happy and prosperous Christmas to you.
- Beannachtaí na Nollag duit! — The blessings of Christmas be with you.
- May the light of the Christmas star to you, the warmth of a home and hearth to you, the cheer and goodwill of friends to you, the hope of a childlike heart to you, the joy of a thousand angels to you, the love of the Son, and God’s peace to you.
- May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door!
- Bless the bowl, bless Irish land, and bless God this wonderful Christmas morning. As the sun rises gold over the Emerald Isle, may your oat’s hot steam nourish your Irish smile. And may you be thankful to Him who fills your bowl, warms your heart, and soothes your soul.
- May the songs of the season rise to greet you. May the winter wind be always at your back. May the frost shimmer soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may the love of God shine warm upon your home.
- May Christmas bring a joyful end to the year and lead you into a fresh and bright new beginning.
- May the sound of laughter and the light of love fill your home this Christmas season.
- May your hearth be warm, your holiday merry, and your heart light this Christmas.
- May the blessings of Christmas bring you peace, joy, and contentment to last through the coming year.
- May your days be filled with magic, your nights with peace, and your year with happiness.
- May you have the gladness of Christmas, which is hope; the spirit of Christmas, which is peace; and the heart of Christmas, which is love.
- May the glow of Christmas shine brightly in your home and warm your heart throughout the year.
- May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door.
- May this Christmas bring you comfort, joy, and a deep sense of peace in the company of loved ones.
- May the spirit of Christmas bring you love, the gladness of Christmas bring you joy, and the warmth of Christmas bring you hope.
- May you be surrounded by the love of family, the warmth of a fire, and the blessings of Christmas cheer.
A Special Irish Carol
While not technically a blessing, the “Wexford Carol” is a beautiful piece that embodies the spirit of an Irish Christmas. Its exquisite melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a cherished holiday tradition.
And if you’re in need of a great traditional Irish Carrol Spotify playlist pop over here
Share the Blessings
I hope you have enjoyed these lovely Irish blessings and sayings. Be sure to share them with a family member or friend, and have a brilliant Christmas. Nollaig Shona Dhuit!