Every March 17, St. Patrick’s Day is observed by more countries than any other international festival. Many of them have even taken the occasion to the next level, developing their own traditions over the centuries in the name of celebrating Lá Fhéile Pádraig (“St. Patrick’s Day,” in the …

For many of us, Valentine’s Day is a yearly treat, awarding us opportunities at every turn to spread a little love around. Such as wives and mothers of legendary Irish fishermen who knit thick and robust Aran wool sweaters for their husbands and sons to keep them warm and express thei …

There’s no place like home during the Christmas season—but there’s no doubt that scenic, welcoming Ireland comes in at a close second. Every year, countless families from all over the world travel to the Emerald Isle during this special time to experience the hospitality the country is famous for, e …

You hang your stockings by the fireplace every Christmas season, hoping that Santa Claus will fill them with goodies on Christmas Eve night. But how and why did stockings become such an integral part of the holiday season?Stockings have been part of the Christmas tradition for centuries, although no …

Christmas is a time of good cheer and gift giving—and, unsurprisingly, it’s also when you’re most likely to indulge and splurge. This Christmas, the National Retail Federation expects that Americans will end up spending more than $750 billion. That’s a huge amount even per individual! Amidst hard-to …

Traditions often provide comfort. The holidays are a time where we get back in touch with our roots and relish those customs as well as make new ones. Food is a distinguishing signifier of culture, and a significant means of keeping our heritage alive and thriving. Crafting a holiday meal and breaki …