Tesco Ireland celebrates uniquely Irish festive traditions
When it comes to Christmas, the Irish know how to do it right—complete with beloved traditions, quirky rituals, and festive foods that warm the heart (and the belly). This year, Tesco Ireland’s latest research shines a spotlight on the habits and customs that make an Irish Christmas so special, all in celebration of their new *Helping Feed Your Christmas Spirit* campaign.
Ireland’s Most Cherished Christmas Traditions
At the heart of an Irish Christmas is a rich tapestry of uniquely local rituals. Unsurprisingly, the Late Late Toy Show reigns supreme as the nation’s favourite festive tradition, with 40% of respondents naming it the highlight of the season. It doesn’t matter how old you are—when the Toy Show airs, the country tunes in.
Other quintessentially Irish customs include:
- The ‘Good’ Tin of Biscuits: That one tin Irish Mammies reserve for “special visitors” (21%).
- Father Ted’s Christmas Special: A classic comedy moment that has stood the test of time since it first aired in 1996 (18%).
On the culinary front, the Christmas morning fry is the nation’s top festive delicacy, with 36% ranking it above all else. It’s followed by the nostalgic tin of USA biscuits (22%) and the ever-popular leftover turkey curry (18%).
A Nation of Christmas Cheerleaders
The research reveals that Ireland is far from a “Nay-Sleighing” nation when it comes to Christmas enthusiasm. A whopping 38% of respondents proudly identify as Christmas Cheerleaders, making the festive season their time to shine.
Other festive personas include:
- Christmas Coasters: Those who enjoy the season but don’t go overboard (31%).
- Nay-Sleighers: The tiny minority (7%) who simply don’t feel the Christmas magic.
How the Irish Feed Their Christmas Spirit
For over a third of Irish people (36%), the ultimate way to feed their Christmas spirit is simple yet magical: relaxing at home with a festive movie and twinkling tree lights.
Other top spirit-lifting activities include:
- Spending quality time with family and friends (23%).
- Treating yourself to festive foods, like a turkey and stuffing sandwich (19%).
Even with these joys, the research found that leaving shopping until the last minute can turn the most enthusiastic elf into a grinch for 22% of respondents. Thankfully, Tesco Ireland is here to help. With Home Delivery and Click+Collect slots available until Christmas Eve, Tesco ensures that last-minute shopping stress won’t dampen your spirits.
For more information on Tesco’s Christmas offerings, visit Tesco.ie and let the holiday magic begin!
