Women’s Christmas Retreat (Nollaig na mBan)

In Ireland, Women’s Christmas takes place on January 6, the Feast of the Epiphany. Traditionally, this was a day when women were to rest and do no work. While this often happened in aspiration rather than actuality, it was still a day for women to take as their own.

Often, it was a time of simple pleasures, of visiting friends or the local pub, while the men stayed home with children and family.

On Jan 5, 2025, I will hold a short Women’s Christmas Retreat for any woman who wants to join. Beginning at 9AM Mountain Time (5pm or 17:00 CET), we will gather online to share, to journey, to tell stories and to celebrate being a Woman in 2025.
Includes stories, Journeys, reflection on the past year, and preparation for 2025.

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Outline for Women’s Christmas Retreat (January 6)

Theme: Honoring the Past, Empowering the Future

1. Opening Circle (20 minutes)

•Welcome & Introductions

•Brief overview of Women’s Christmas tradition and its Celtic roots.

•Invite participants to share a word or intention for the retreat.

•Grounding Exercise

•A short guided breathwork or mindfulness practice to settle into the space.

2. Reflecting on 2024: Sharing Circle (45 minutes)

•Prompt for Reflection:

•“What moment or experience in 2024 brought you strength, growth, or community?”

Storytelling:  Tales of Women’s Wisdom & Strength (30 minutes)

•Myth or Folklore Tale:

•A myth that reflects the theme

•Discuss the story’s relevance to modern life and its themes of support and renewal.

•Interactive Discussion:

•How do these themes resonate with our personal lives?

4. Imagery Visualization for 2025 (40 minutes)

•Guided Visualization:

•Imagine stepping into a metaphorical “threshold” for 2025, leaving behind what no longer serves and embracing what empowers.

•Visualization themes: strength, support, opportunities, and personal growth.

•Creative Response:

•Journaling or sketching reflections from the visualization.

•Option to share insights with the group.

5. Closing Ritual (15 minutes)

•Gratitude Circle:

•Share one thing participants feel grateful for from the retreat or one aspiration for 2025.

•Symbolic Action:

•Lighting candles, tying intention ribbons, or another symbolic gesture to honor the journey ahead.

•Closing Blessing:

• Celtic blessing for women’s strength and renewal.