Today is the first Sunday of Advent, and we are remembering some of the traditions we grew up with in our native Poland. Advent is celebrated a little bit differently there – it is a time of fasting and prayer, much as Lent is observed in Ireland before Easter.
Traditionally, we don’t rush about town trying to get our Christmas shopping organised. Instead, we make a lot of handmade decorations for the Christmas tree, and handmade gifts for our loved ones. We bake Christmas cookies and celebrate special early-morning masses, and every Sunday of Advent, we light one more candle in our Advent wreath.
Some of our traditions we brought to our new home in the West of Ireland. So we will spend the long evenings making Christmas tree decorations – not from straw and paper, though, and not just for our own tree: we create beautiful ceramic decorations, and we’ll make sure there are enough for everybody! If you would like to purchase some of our tree ornaments in shades of blue, green and white, either for your own home or as a Christmas gift, just check out or online shop on https://www.themooddesigns.ie/etsy-shop.
Unfortunately, we can’t share our cookies with you – the little cut-out stars and gingerbread men are just too delicious, and our children will have gobbled them up in no time! Now it is time to light the first candle – this year, of all years, a symbol of hope, looking forward to brighter days, and reflecting on everything we are thankful for in our lives. To all of you, our friends: we wish you a very happy and peaceful Advent!
About The Mood Designs
Situated just outside Castlebar, Co Mayo, The Mood Designs is an independent family business. Owners Lukasz and Ella are inspired by the Wild Atlantic Way and the beautiful West of Ireland to create unique, handmade Irish gifts and jewellery. The couple design and craft their range of homeware and framed art in their traditional workshop nestled in the hills of Glenisland. To view their wide offer of ceramic products, which include personalized wedding gifts and inspirational art work for the home, visit their online gift shop https://www.themooddesigns.ie/etsy-shop.