Embracing Nollaig na mBan or The Women’s Little Christmas

A Day of Rest and Renewal for Women!

Have you ever stumbled upon a tradition that feels like it was meant just for you? That’s how I felt when I discovered Nollaig na mBan, or Women’s Little Christmas, an enduring Irish tradition celebrated on the 12th day of Christmas.

Imagine this: After weeks of weaving the magic of the holidays—decorating, gifting, cooking, and tending to the heart of the home—there comes a day set aside solely for women. A day when the women who hold the season together can finally exhale, step away from the busyness, and claim a moment of true rest.

In Ireland, this tradition has long been an informal celebration passed down quietly from one generation to the next. Busy cooks, bakers, and wrappers—those who worked tirelessly to make Christmas magical—took a well-deserved day to themselves. It’s not officially recorded in history books, but its power lies in the simple fact that it endured through stories, gatherings, and shared understanding among women.

This tradition feels particularly relevant today. In most households, it is still the women who carry the weight of holiday traditions. While juggling work, family, and the endless to-do lists that come with modern life, women are often the ones ensuring the holidays feel magical. Rarely does this labor fall to the men, even in a modern context. It’s the women who are up late wrapping gifts, baking cookies, decorating the tree, and planning meals—all while navigating the other pressures they carry.

That’s why I feel incredibly lucky to have a partner in Jim who shares much of the magic-making with me. From cooking to decorating to creating moments of joy, having someone to share the load makes the holidays more meaningful—and makes rest feel less elusive. But I know this isn’t the case for everyone, and it’s why Nollaig na mBan resonates so deeply as a moment to celebrate and care for ourselves and in doing so, we indirectly honor women all over the world.

The wisdom of Nollaig na mBan is a reminder that women need rest—not just because they’ve worked hard, but because their care, creativity, and presence deserve to be honored. It’s a moment to acknowledge the sacred role women play in keeping the spirit of the holidays alive and to give themselves permission to pause and replenish.

Imagine bringing this tradition into your own life, infusing it with an herbal, healing touch:

🌿 Brew a pot of tea with herbs that speak to your heart, perhaps calming chamomile, uplifting lemon balm, or fragrant rose petals with a cinnamon stick or some star anise added for warmth. Hold the cup in your hands, close your eyes, and let gratitude for the season and your efforts fill your spirit.

🌿 Draw a warm bath infused with milk, vanilla, and rose essential oils. As the steam rises, breathe deeply and let the weight of the holidays dissolve. This luxurious combination not only soothes the skin but also calms the mind, enveloping you in a fragrant embrace.

🌿 Invite the women who fill your life with joy. Sit by the fire, share delicious food, have a wee dram or two and exchange laughter and stories. Light candles to honor the past, present, and future—the circle of women who came before you and those yet to come.

🌿Incorporating a vision board ritual into your Nollaig na mBan celebration can be a meaningful way to set intentions for the coming year. Here’s a concise guide to creating your own:

Vision Board Ritual for Nollaig na mBan

1. Create a Calm Space: Settle in a quiet area with soothing music and gentle lighting to foster reflection.

2. Gather Materials: Collect a board, magazines, scissors, glue, and any decorative items that inspire you.

3. Reflect on Your Goals: Consider your aspirations across various aspects of life—personal growth, relationships, health, and spirituality.

4. Select Inspiring Images and Words: Choose visuals and phrases that resonate with your intentions and evoke positive emotions.

5. Assemble Your Vision Board: Arrange and affix your selections onto the board in a way that feels harmonious and motivating.

6. Infuse with Positive Energy: Spend a moment visualizing yourself achieving these goals, allowing that energy to imbue your creation.

7. Display Your Vision Board: Place it somewhere you’ll see daily to serve as a constant reminder of your intentions.

Engaging in this ritual during Nollaig na mBan not only honors the tradition of self-care and reflection but also empowers you to manifest your dreams for the year ahead.

🌿 Write down all that you gave this season—your time, your love, your creativity—and honor it as sacred work. Then write what you now wish to call into your life, and burn the paper as a symbol of transformation.

How often do we, as women, allow ourselves a moment of true rest? This tradition reminds us that rest is not selfish—it is an act of love. It is the wellspring from which we create beauty, joy, and magic.

As we step into the new year, let us embrace Nollaig na mBan as a reminder of our worth and the power of renewal. What would a day of rest and celebration look like for you? How would you honor yourself, your efforts, and your spirit?

This year, let’s create a Women’s Christmas that leaves us in awe of the strength, beauty, and resilience we carry.

Photograph by Photo by Josh Boot on Unsplash

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