When shadows grow longer, when expectation weighs heavy, how do people in Ireland mark Christmas? A woman shops for a very particular Christmas dinner: a man tries to buy a puppy for his daughter: a girl watches as her mother roasts a fowl over an open fire. From old traditions to the creation of new ones, from moments of quiet reflection to chaos, comedy and even horror, this alternative seasonal collection reflects the stunning breadth of experiences an Irish Christmas offers. CONTRIBUTORS: Belinda McKeon, Sophie White, Tim MacGabhann, Conner Habib, Roisin Kiberd, Maggie Armstrong, Sue Rainsford, Jessica Traynor, Niall Bourke, Briana Fitzsimons, Soula Emmanuel, Mike McCormack and from Booker Prize-winner Anne Enright