Ireland

Nollaig Shona Duit! Nothing says “Happy Christmas” like a rustic Irish doorway decorated in the time-honored, traditional way. A large candle glows in the window, and the newly whitewashed door is left unlocked in case Mary and Joseph happen by. Inside, the laden table is set with milk and Irish bread stuffed with raisins and caraway seeds. A Celtic cross sits atop a tree of holly, and shamrocks remind the faithful of the time when St. Patrick used the three leaves to illustrate the Trinity. The traveler who shares this hearth tonight is lucky indeed!