Happy St. Stephen's Day and the Second of the 12 days of Christmas

Today is St. Stephen's Day!  Celebrated all over Ireland. My friend Mary
Lyons always calls me with the verse that goes:

The wren, the wren, the king of all birds.
St. Stephen's day was caught in the furze,
Up with the kettle, and down with the pan,
give us a penny to bury the wren.

More about St. Stephen's Day on my next post as there is something else
I would like to note and that is that the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas" actually starts with Christmas day and goes up to the EVE
of the Epiphany (January 6th).... (I always thought it was the l2 day countdown BEFORE
Christmas).. I have recently learned that it is a traditional old anglo song to be sung starting the DAY of Christmas.... This is the celebration of the glorious Christmas season...so
don't take your decorations down too soon...instead...invite over a friend
to help you eat up those cookies and just RELAX in the blessings of the
season....you've got until the Epiphany (when the wisemen brought their
gifts to the Baby Jesus...and continue to celebrate in a relaxed manner...no more shopping, decorating or baking...just pure joy and thanksgiving! 

Merry Christmas - Gaelic

NOLLAIG  NAOFA,

BEANNACHTAL  IOSA

NOLLAIG  CHROIUIL,

IS BLIAIN  NUA  MHAITH.

(English translation)

With best wishes for Christmas and the New Year