Traditional musician Sharon Shannon’s Christmas: ‘I’d much prefer to rescue live turkeys and pigs’

How are you planning to spend Christmas?

I will probably visit my family in Clare a few days before Christmas and maybe play some music down there with my siblings, nieces and nephews, which is always great craic. On Christmas Eve I’ll probably be coming back to my own house in Galway – I’m really looking forward to relaxing at home with the animals and friends in front of a massive fire and loads of yummy food. If I have time on the days after Christmas, I’d ideally love to write a few new tunes. I’d get great satisfaction from that.

How do you like to decorate?

I usually have two Christmas trees. One at the front of the house in the sittingroom and one in the livingroom area. I love having lots of fairy lights and candles all over the place.

Best and worst Christmas movies?

My favourite Christmas movie as a child was Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. I also loved Oliver Twist and The Great Race. I still love those movies because they always remind me of the magic and excitement of Christmas as a child. I can’t think of any Christmas movies that I don’t like – they all remind me of how much I loved Christmas when I was growing up.

Christmas dinner – is it turkey, ham and all the trimmings or something else entirely?

For me, it’s always a massive big roast dinner, including a ridiculous amount of Brussels sprouts, roast garlic and roast spuds. Minus the turkey and ham, however, as I’d much prefer to rescue live turkeys and pigs if at all possible.

A personal housing plan: Move to Newry, buy for €150,000 less, commute to Dublin

---

Dublin pizza restaurant ranked 15th in top 20 European pizzerias

---

Bruce Springsteen in Cork: Setlist, weather forecast, transport info for Páirc Uí Chaoimh concert

---

Eleven hidden gems: The best lesser-known attractions to visit around Ireland on a budget

---

Is religion an important aspect of Christmas for you?

No, it isn’t and never has been for me. I like the idea of spirituality and our souls living on after our death but I’ve never been a fan of religion, even as a small child. As regards the celebration of the birth of Jesus, yes – bring it on.

Best Christmas memory?

When I was four or five years of age, coming down to the livingroom very, very early on Christmas morning and seeing the tricycle I had asked Santa for in the middle of the floor with all the other wrapped presents for my siblings and I around it. Best present ever.

What’s on your Christmas wish list?

Relaxation at home with friends and family and animals, and plenty of live music and food. I’m also looking forward to catching up with friends and family who have been living abroad and are coming home this year.

Who’s on your naughty list?

Fonzie the dog and Teddy the cat, the two most adorable but also the most mischievous animals that ever came into the house. They are two absolute little gremlins but of course I love them to bits.

And your nice list?

My other dogs, Gnasher, Begley and Foxy, and the other cats, Dusty, Smokey, Dinny, Panda, Stumpy, Rosie, Lucy, Philo and Rascal. Did I forget to tell you I’m the crazy cat lady? Animals are the best company and the best craic, and they love unconditionally. I couldn’t ask for any better.

Christmas jumper and/or pyjamas – yes or no? And if yes, describe.

Fleece pyjamas for me all the way. Actually, this is not just for Christmas but all year round. Happy Christmas everyone.

• Sharon Shannon – Now & Then is released through Bohemia Records. Visit celticnote.com for further details.