“Nollaig Shona Dhuit” (pronounced ‘Null-ig hun-a dit’) translates to “Merry Christmas” in English.

Another saying you might hear at Christmas 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 -- a wish shared by us at the Irish Genealogical Society International.

How many Irish Christmas traditions are still practiced in your family? Find out by reading an entertaining and illuminating article, "13 Beloved Irish Christmas Traditions and Their Origins," which was posted earlier this year by Theirishroadtrip.com.