Nollaig na mBan remains important to celebrate

I like the way how in Ireland we continue to celebrate some traditions. I think it’s nice for the next generation to understand how important these traditions were and still are to some families. Nollaig na mBan is an important one for me, not only because it translates to ‘Women’s Christmas’ but it’s about family, it’s about everyone helping out, it’s about appreciating how much family members do for each other. It’s an opportunity to celebrate an occasion over homecooked food and take some time out with our nearest and dearest before finally returning back to the madness in January. It marks the end of another celebration and the finishing of the festive season.

Ensuring to celebrate it each year with the people closet to me and pass the tradition onto our children, I probably go against what history says: a day off for the women of the house. I instead go all out and cook a big dinner for my mam and the family. She did it for years so it’s nice to pay back. In our youth we had the day off school, enjoyed another Christmas dinner, dessert, board games but most importantly, mam brought a neighbour to our home who lived alone, to share the occasion with us and our grandparents. That kindness and those memories will stay with me forever.

Nowadays we are all multitasking at a phenomenal rate and so I do think it’s important to celebrate any occasion that allows us to. My door will also be open for anyone who needs a little Christmas.

Last year, we were all back to school by Nollaig na mBan, this year we were still off and so it was celebrated in style before the return back yesterday (Monday). It’s nice today for our children to enjoy, celebrate and understand some of these important traditions. For me it’s not just about Women’s Christmas but for everyone to take some time out to help, care and assist in chores and to understand how important this is; how much it means for everyone to share in the duties, to take responsibility for their rooms, their belongings. With all being so busy, a little effort from all makes a big difference.

I think back to when this occasion was celebrated years ago and how it might be celebrated now. I think of how much life has changed for many women in Ireland today. Lots of women didn’t drive or work in the past, lots of females stayed at home to mind children and the elderly. While out jogging recently I met an elderly neighbour; we chatted about times gone by, she explained that yes, times were hard when she was younger but there was always someone to mind the children, a neighbour, a granny or a sibling, and they didn’t have as many worries like people today, with no rushing and racing or trying to do it all and people stressed out even about the simple things. I began to think of my own granny and remember her always smiling, always chatting and always being there for us.

I had the pleasure of running with some female friends early on Nollaig na mBan. There was no other time or way we could fit meeting up so a morning run was suggested – what a wonderful start to the day. In the darkness, trotting around the country roads of South Mayo, a beautiful fresh morning, no jacket needed. The reflection of the artificial lights on the still lake, the swans asleep, the lit-up bridge across the water and the view of Croagh Patrick in the background. The beauty of the rural roads is the escapism from the town. When running around the lake there is a stillness that relaxes you, allowing you to experience the countryside in the middle of the village, be at one with nature away from the traffic, get lost in the trees instead of a line of shops, and swap noisiness for peace.

Like kids chatting and laughing, trotting around with the girls reminded me of childhood memories, carefree running and babbling about random stuff. We discussed everything and anything away from the norm, no talk of work, family life or household chores, just reminiscing on past fun times and of our great intentions for the coming year.

It was fun, liberating and empowering to feel free as a woman to run in the dark, to have other females to run with, to be able to do it, to not feel embarrassed or vulnerable as a female enjoying their hobby. It’s not that long ago that it was difficult as a female to experience running in a fun, comfortable and easy free way; not many females were running and it was a very male dominated sport, especially competitively. Cars still blow, people still comment, the neighbours will definitely think I’ve lost it if I do twelve hill repeats down the road, and that uncomfortable feeling of meeting someone in the dark is still very real. We have come a long way but we still have a bit to go.

I sure hope my daughter and her friends grow up having positive experiences of sport. Prior to the 1970s, women were considered too frail and dainty for long distance running and 1982 was the first track and field NCAA Championships for women. Women’s running has come so far and I for one am very thankful because life for many of us would otherwise be very different. In 1972 women were allowed enter the NYC marathon and were ordered to start 10 minutes ahead of the men, they protested and sat down! Female runners have for years fought for recognition, status and have pushed the boundaries of performances.

Does running today offer females the freedom it should? With only a few hours of daylight this time of the year, it becomes more difficult to get out. Have you ever misjudged the time in winter, got held up on a walk or run and the darkness appeared? You’re in a dark wooded area and you can’t but help feel afraid, you begin to hear noises. Running should be a safe place for everyone and I think each time we go we must think about safety. We all go for a walk or run alone but sometimes togetherness is safer.

The natural light is appearing, indicating our Nollaig na mBan run is nearing its end. The traffic is building, the noise increasing, and the busyness of the day is starting. We depart company and all head off home with a pep in our step for the day ahead.

The evening comes around fast and the tradition is celebrated by dinner being served with all hands-on deck. A cake is decorated by my helpers and what fun is had, passing on stories from generation to generation, lots of tea being drank and finishing off Christmas cake. I am now going to rest up and let any more chores be reversed. It’s been another busy day but not like any other. Instead, on reflection, it was simple and enjoyable but most of all a celebration of family, friends and gratefulness. The tradition died out a bit in the last few years but I think during Covid-19 we used any special day to celebrate what was important to us and today, the tradition of Nollaig na mBan is alive and well with lots of events being held.

I explain to the children how other countries celebrate January 6 with gift giving, the Three Kings Day. Some go from house to house singing carols but in Ireland, Nollaig na mBan was a day where the women of the house would rest after catering for everyone over Christmas. Women would gather in houses or pubs. In a world today dominated by work, household and family commitments, it is becoming harder to fit the occasion in and for some it has become an obsolete event, but no matter what it is you have in common with friends and family it is important that we continue to do it. I think Nollaig na mBan has shown my friends and I that an opportunity exists every week, to fit something in we enjoy into an early morning and so we get some ‘na mBan’ time.

I look forward to the next celebration.