No chores for women as Irish expats celebrate Little Christmas

The day, called Nollaig na mBan, is meant to serve as a big thanks to women who have worked hard over the festive season, preparing food and presents

- Kirstin Bernabe

It was Christmas again on Monday for some expats in the UAE but this time, men were not invited. Instead, they were doing all the household chores and looking after the children so that women could take "a full day off".

"Happy Women's Christmas!" Irish ladies greeted each other on January 6, marking the longheld tradition of Nollaig na mBan, called 'Women's Christmas' or 'Little Christmas' in English.

Bev Payne, a mum in Dubai, did not cook on Monday. "I ordered takeaway as we (women) are not allowed to cook," said Payne, who hails from Ireland's Cork city. Since January 6 fell on a Monday this year, Payne celebrated early and went out with her friends on Saturday.

Aeda Baker, a teacher in the emirate, "was relaxing after school".

Explaining the practice, Baker said the day was meant to serve as a big thanks to women "who traditionally would have worked hard over Christmas preparing food and presents".

"It is a day when the men do the household chores and look after the kids," she told Khaleej Times. "In Ireland, I would usually go out with my friends for a meal on Women's Christmas." Another mum, Eleanor Nolan, grew up knowing about this lovely Christmas tradition.