Christmas and the Irish by Salvador Ryan

Christmas and the Irish: A Miscellany by Salvador Ryan is a comprehensive anthology exploring Ireland’s Christmas traditions from the seventh century to the modern era. Featuring 75 concise essays by contributors across disciplines, the book delves into historical, cultural, and religious facets of the season, including medieval feasting, the evolution of Irish Christmas foods, unique customs like the Wren Boys and "Women’s Christmas," and curious claims such as Santa’s alleged burial site in County Kilkenny. It also examines literary connections, folk traditions, and modern phenomena like the Late Late Toy Show, blending scholarly insights with lighthearted reflections to capture the enduring spirit of an Irish Christmas.