In Ireland on January 6th, after the hustle of the holidays, women take charge of the fun with a celebration called Nollaig na mBan, or Women’s Little Christmas. 

It’s a day when women traditionally would get a break from the holiday chaos, and men would step up to handle the household chores, including cooking a feast of goose. 

As the Twelve Days of Christmas wrap up on January 6th, known as the Feast of the Epiphany or Old Christmas, women would hang up their aprons. Instead of chores, the day is filled with friendship, joy, and unique customs. Pubs become lively hubs as groups of friends, sisters, mothers, daughters, and aunts gather for laughter and celebration. It’s a girls’ night out, time for women to kick back and enjoy some final Christmas cheer of the season.

Though the tradition had been dying out across the country, it stayed alive and was widely celebrated in Cork and Kerry, and it is now enjoying a revival throughout Ireland and even spreading worldwide among Irish expats. Right here in Australia, its popularity is grow-ing. 

Events that took place to celebrate in Australia this year included an Ireland Calling radio show Nollaig na mBan Women’s Christmas Cruise on Sydney Harbour. Tina King-Garde from Ireland Calling told Anglo&Celtic that a fantastic day was had by all.

There was also a Nollaig na mBan open mic evening in aid of the Irish Support Agency at The Gaelic Club in Sydney and a Women’s Little Christmas celebration at the Irish Club of WA. 

Women’s Little Christmas is more than a day off; it’s a lively celebration reflecting the resilience and spirit of Irish women. 

Ireland Calling radio show organised a cruise on Sydney Harbour to celebrate Women’s Little Christmas. Pictures: Supplied
For more photographs, see the February edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine here