I timed the day according to the TV schedule and naps. Nap one, film one, trifle. Nap two, film two, stuff the turkey and so on. It’s an especially busy day on the farm. The farmer was getting work done so that it can almost run on auto-pilot (by a farmer stuffed with food) for the next few days.
As is the tradition in Kerry, an electric candle is lit and placed on each window of the house. Welcoming the baby Jesus. As a girl, I had heard about this in school in Cork city by the Kerry teachers who came our way. It sounded romantic. And this evening, we’ll see it as we drive through our village. Houses in the village will be alight with candlelight as we drive by ushering us towards the church. Sceptic or not, these traditions are beautiful and compassionate.
At home, Santa will drink a glass of our milk tonight with a hard-earned mince pie. The mother of the house will have to run the gauntlet first, getting to that glass of something sparkly by midnight whilst wrapping presents.  Little boys are asleep dreaming of presents to come.

From our hearth to yours.  Happy Christmas from Co. Kerry. May yours be happy, safe and peaceful.

Nollaig Shona o Ciarrai.

Anne, Dan, Philip, Daniel and Anthony.

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