Traditions are more than mere relics of the past – they serve a deep purpose within society, helping shape our collective and individual identities. By partaking in tradition, we are reminded of who we are and where we come from.

In Ireland, during the festive season, we do tradition very well, and most revolve around – or include some element of – food and hospitality.

From the post-midnight mass meal of fish, potatoes and onion sauce of bygone Christmas Eves to the tradition of Nollaig na mBan, where women rest and men cook (thank you very much) on 6 January, our Christmas traditions are entwined with hosting, eating, gifting and sharing.

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Tradition also has a trickle-down effect. There are the wider ones; celebrated right across Ireland. Others are found within smaller communities (think community tea sales, Christmas concerts or local fundraisers). Then, of course, there are the traditions only practised within family groups. This is where things can get interesting, especially as so many of us have travelled and returned home with new ideas and flavours.

This is why we really enjoyed trying the “Christmas keeper” recipes provided by some of Ireland’s top chefs for this edition of Irish Country Living Food. There is deep meaning to each recipe, but you also get a feel for the outside influences these chefs have encountered throughout their storied careers.

Chef Nicole Server is originally from the Philippines and lives in Kilkenny with her partner, Bart Pawlukojc. Together, they own Arán Bakery, where they make modern Irish food with lots of international flavour. Nicole’s Noche Buena ham is a nod to her Filipino roots. It’s also a recipe any Irish household would love, because we too enjoy an aul’ ham with our Christmas dinner.

Consider this edition of Irish Country Living Food as a love letter to tradition. To more ancient ones, and to newer ones with outside influence. Thanks to Lou Robbie (@littleloucooks), we learn that taking a day to make edible gifts for friends and neighbours is a tradition well worth the effort.

Caroline Hennessy provides a glimpse into her own household tradition, one which she looks forward to each year with her two girls: making their annual gingerbread house. Her girls are no longer “little”, but this is clearly a tradition which has grown with her family.

Irish Country Living editor Ciara Leahy offers an array of holiday-friendly sips to share with friends and family – or just enjoy in front of the telly – this festive season, and we have a great round-up of cookbooks and food-focused gift ideas for the culinaire in your life.

Irish Country Living Food is always a labour of love and teamwork, and our Christmas edition is an annual highlight for the whole team. From our farmhouse kitchen to yours, we wish you a very happy Christmas and a wonderful New Year – hopefully, with a few new traditions to carry over to 2026.