Welcome to the December 2024 edition of Anglo&Celtic magazine. You can read or download the magazine free of charge at the link above. If you’d like to make a one-time donation towards the costs associated with producing the magazine, or buy a cup of coffee for the hardworking staff, you can do so below.
Make a one-time donation
Make a monthly donation
Make a yearly donation
Choose an amount
Or enter a custom amount
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
Your contribution is appreciated.
DonateDonate monthlyDonate yearlyMerry Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers.
In this issue, we tell you about some fascinating Christmas and New Year traditions from the home countries. Did you know that Christmas was banned in Scotland for nearly 400 years? The Grinch would be impressed. And in Ireland and the Isle of Man, people would hunt that cutest of all birds, the wren, to bring good fortune? Some of our traditions make the Aussie traditions, like surfing Santas in budgie smugglers and Santas dishing out lollies on fire engines, seem positively normal.
Tis not just the season for Christmas parties, and we feature plenty of those, but also festivals. Woodford is the most famous, but if you fancy something quieter, Nariel Creek Folk Festival will welcome you with an Irish ceili this year. Daylesford Highland Gathering will see heavy games return after three decades, and in Maryborough, you just have to witness the dancer on a giant drum as you welcome in the new year.
Solstice is always a special time. We tell you about the amazing winter solstice at Newgrange in Ireland, and also what’s happening at our summer solstice in Glen Innes.
All the best, Mary.
If you have a story you’d like to share, email editor@angloandceltic.com.
Enjoy the magazine!
Editor Mary Allen.
Anglo&Celtic 