Many people may think that Christmas doesn’t begin until the week before the 24th, or even Christmas Eve itself. However, the traditional beginning of the holidays comes as early as December 8th.
It marks the Feast of the Immaculate Conception. It celebrates the belief of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary. December 8th is significant because it is exactly nine months before the feast of the Nativity of Mary on September 8th.
Years ago, Catholics would go to mass and most schools would close as it was considered a sacred day. In recent years, numbers of practising religious people have declined but some still continue the ritual on today. Most schools don’t see the day as holy anymore, while some may still close.
Many countries across the world celebrate it and it remains a public holiday in around 26 countries. Ireland is no longer one of them.
December 8th was seen as a huge shopping day for those from the country. People would travel to bigger, more built-up areas like Galway or Cork to buy Christmas presents for their loved ones. Travelling up to Dublin would have been an incredibly popular thing to do.
Some people would know the day as the “Culchie Shopping Day” when they would hear an unusual abundance of different accents on the streets of the city.
Nowadays, many people may choose to do their shopping online. With the ease of 24-hour availability of anything you need from the comfort of your own home, it’s easy to see why people would opt for this over a long journey.
However, some still make the most of this day and use it to check many items off their list while having a nice day out. There is just something magical about walking up a busy and decorated street to buy your Christmas presents.
Especially the likes of Grafton Street, with large decorations and bright lights strung from building to building. You will definetly feel very festive by the end of it. Especially with the sounds of a busker and a cold wind with it.
After the 8th, decorations go up around the house. Some people now choose to put them up before it, however. December 8th truly marked the beginning of the festive period. There’s no denying that you’ll notice Christmas magic all around afterwards.
Have you any fond memories of December 8th? Or maybe you still find ways to celebrate it. Let us know down in the comments! Check out our post about Nollaig na mBan, which marks the end of Christmas.
