Women’s Christmas

The story of Women’s Christmas—Nollaig na mBan, a Gaelic word pronounced Null-ug na Mon—begins with the story of women. Since time immemorial, women have intuited the importance of bonding together in support and celebration of one another. Eventually, Irish women claimed for themselves January 6th as their day to gather for rest and refreshment after the Christmas festivities (for which they
had been largely responsible). This day was the day for taking down the decorations, so, that work being done, women turned over the tending of the children and minding of the home to the men and gathered in the homes of their women friends or in neighborhood pubs to enjoy their own sort of merriment.

Marywood adopted this Irish tradition in 2017 as an opportunity to honor the wisdom of women. This year we honor women mystics from ancient times to Nollaig na mBan 2025. If you, like our Irish sisters, would like to roll up your sleeves to help prepare for Women’s Christmas or reserve a place at the table, please contact Marywood at marywood.center@gmail.com or (715) 385-3750. Seats are available for Saturday, January 4th and Monday, January 6 th from 5:00-8:00 p.m.