As the song goes, “On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 12 drummers drumming,” but in Ireland, we should swop out the lyrics to reflect nine ladies dancing in celebration of Nollaig na mBan.

Nowadays it’s often celebrated with lunch and a glass of bubbly but there is such tradition around it, captured beautifully in Shane Lehane’s folklore piece.

After all the festive chores over the 12 days of Christmas, Nollaig na mBan is traditionally the day in which women take a well-deserved break and while he outlines that fruit cake and iced biscuits were the treat of choice, a few glasses of punch or madeira sherry were also often served, and “a night of unbridled fun unfolded”.

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Of course, the role of women in the household has changed considerably, especially in the last 50 years since the marriage ban was lifted in 1972. In 2024, 61% of Irish households with children had both adults employed either full-time or part-time.

Women play a hugely important role in the workforce, and just like men, are ambitious and want to do their job well. And women, just like men, also want to be present for their family. Yet, the playing field isn’t always even.

Jacqueline Hogge looks at the challenges facing women who want to run their own rural business. In the piece, MEP Maria Walsh points out that women entrepreneurs who make up 40% of all entrepreneurs in the EU only have access to 2.4% of total venture capital, according to the most recent figures. And childcare continues to be a challenge for families – whether that’s getting access to it or affording it – but the reality is when childcare fails, for the most part, it is the woman picking up the pieces. The juggle is indeed very real.

Women play a hugely important role in the workforce, and just like men, are ambitious and want to do their job well. And women, just like men, also want to be present for their family. Yet, the playing field isn’t always even

For many families, the Christmas break has hopefully been an opportunity to breathe, reset and take stock. The new year brings a determination to work hard, and hopefully progress your career.

In our cover story written by Audrey Kane, career psychologist Sinéad Brady has some great advice in that regard. She especially draws attention to the huge skill set that farmers possess, that they often taken for granted. But Sinéad also advises that we need to mind ourselves, saying when we’re busy rushing around and racing, it’s easy to stop listening to yourself. “If your non-negotiables – sleep, health, time with people you love – are consistently slipping, something isn’t working,” she says.

In our health article written by Rosalind Skillen, this is also our focus – small habits for 2026 that help us to mind our body, and our mind. Remember as we start a new year, we want to thrive in the long term rather than burnout in the short term.

We hope you had a relaxing Christmas break, enjoying time with your family and friends.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year, and we’ll continue to work hard to deliver a paper that is your relaxing weekly read.