In this episode, I explore the first Celtic Christmas songs that were written. It turns out there's a rich history that supersedes “Christmas in Killarney” by centuries. However, that song that I first heard recorded by Bing Crosby is still a favorite of mine.

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• The first Celtic Christmas song is “Wexford Carol” from Wexford, Ireland

• “Christmas in Killarney” from Celtic Christmas Greetings + Cards

• Samantha Gillogly has a great Celtic Christmas tradition

• Pickup her album of Celtic Chamber Music here.

• She recorded on Don't Go Drinking With Hobbits and The Bridge

• Celtic Christmas Music

• Celtic Christmas Podcast

• Do you have your own Celtic Christmas traditions?

Today, I share some of the great Celtic Christmas traditions you can find in Ireland and Scotland as I share a song, written by Rie Sheridan Rose, that highlights some of these same traditions on my new album Celtic Christmas Greetings.

• Irish Christmas Traditions

• Irish candle in the window

• The Wren Boy Processional

• Decorations with holly and mistletoe

• How to say Merry Christmas in Irish–Nollaig Shona Duit

• Scottish Christmas Traditions

• Burning of Rowan

• Yule Bread

• Divination

• Yule Ale

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• “Let's Have a Celtic Christmas” from Celtic Christmas Greetings

• Celtic Christmas Podcast

• Celtic Christmas Music

Today, I explore the origins of my “Celtic Christmas Elf” song that was recorded on my latest CD Celtic Christmas Greetings. I've had a fascination of leprechauns since eating Lucky Charms cereal as child. But what happens when they become conscripted in Santa's Workshop. You'll find out the history of both today for this Celtic Christmas Greetings Podcast.

• Christmas Elves

• Leprechauns

• Anti-recruiting songs like Arthur McBride

• Celtic Invasion Vacations in Ireland

• Rate the Podcast on iTunes

• “Celtic Christmas Elf” from Celtic Christmas Greetings

• What are your thoughts on leprechauns and Christmas elves?

Today, I launch what I hope to be a daily podcast of Celtic Christmas music where I share my thoughts about Celtic music and Christmas music. Today, I answer the question, “What is Celtic Christmas music?” While I have my own thoughts on the topic, I'd love yours as well. What is Celtic Christmas to you?

• Celtic Christmas Podcast

• Irish & Celtic Music Podcast

• The Celtic Geek

• The Gothard Sisters

• Buy my Celtic Christmas Greeting Cards

• “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” from Celtic Christmas Greetings