William Butler Yeats, one of Ireland’s greatest poets, wove themes of mysticism, folklore, and the beauty of the Irish countryside into his works. His Christmas, much like his poetry, would have been a celebration of the traditions and myths of Ireland, coupled with a sense of elegance and reverence for life’s simple yet profound joys. To imagine a Yeatsian Christmas is to step into a world where ancient Celtic customs merge with Victorian influences, creating a rich tapestry of festive foods, family gatherings, and literary inspiration.
Yeats and Christmas: A Blend of the Mystical and the Domestic
Born in 1865 into a Protestant Anglo-Irish family, Yeats grew up in a time when Christmas in Ireland was both a sacred and festive occasion. While his upbringing may have introduced him to English Victorian customs, his passion for Irish heritage suggests that his Christmas celebrations would have been steeped in Irish traditions. Yeats, a man who revered the spiritual and the mystical, likely saw Christmas as a time to connect with the deeper rhythms of life, family, and the land.
Imagine Yeats’ Christmas unfolding in a setting reminiscent of his beloved Sligo countryside—a home warmed by a roaring hearth, the table adorned with seasonal foods, and the air filled with poetry, storytelling, and the music of traditional Irish instruments.
The Foods of a Yeatsian Christmas
The Main Course: Hearty Irish Staples
Yeats, who appreciated the simplicity of rural Irish life, would have favored traditional, comforting dishes that spoke to Ireland’s agricultural roots.
• Roast Goose: A common choice for Irish Christmas dinners in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Goose, basted and stuffed with breadcrumbs, apples, and herbs, was a centerpiece that reflected the season’s abundance.
• Boiled Ham: Cured and slow-cooked with cloves and honey, ham offered a festive yet rustic alternative to goose or turkey.
• Cabbage and Bacon: A quintessential Irish pairing, this dish combined tender cabbage and salted bacon, symbolizing the earthy, satisfying flavors Yeats cherished.
Side Dishes: A Taste of Ireland
The sides at a Yeats Christmas would reflect the bounty of the Irish countryside, simple yet flavorful.
• Colcannon: A creamy mix of mashed potatoes, kale, and butter, this dish would have been a staple on the Yeats family table.
• Irish Soda Bread: Made with buttermilk and baked fresh, soda bread was a must-have accompaniment to every meal.
• Honey-Glazed Parsnips and Carrots: Root vegetables were a winter favorite, sweetened with Irish honey and roasted to perfection.
Desserts: Sweet Notes of Tradition
Irish Christmas desserts were rich in symbolism and flavor, offering the perfect conclusion to a hearty meal.
• Christmas Pudding: Known in Ireland as plum pudding, this steamed dessert was made with dried fruits, suet, and spices, then doused in whiskey or brandy and set alight—a theatrical flourish Yeats might have appreciated.
• Barmbrack: Though more associated with Halloween, this fruit-filled loaf often made appearances during the Christmas season. Served with butter and tea, it harkened back to Ireland’s rich baking traditions.
• Spiced Apple Cake: Drawing on Ireland’s apple-growing heritage, this cake featured warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, paired with the sweetness of stewed apples.
Drinks to Warm the Soul
The beverages at a Yeats Christmas would mirror the poet’s love for the richness of Irish life:
• Irish Whiskey: Served neat or in the form of a warming hot toddy, whiskey was a quintessential drink for winter celebrations.
• Mulled Cider: Infused with cloves, cinnamon, and star anise, cider added a festive Irish twist to the traditional mulled wine.
• Tea: No Irish gathering would be complete without a strong pot of tea, accompanied by milk and sugar, to round off the evening.
Poetry and the Christmas Spirit
A Yeats Christmas would not have been complete without an infusion of art and poetry. The gathering would likely include recitations of Irish myths, family members reading verses aloud, and perhaps even Yeats himself composing lines inspired by the season.
His poem The Lake Isle of Innisfree, with its quiet longing for peace and simplicity, embodies the spirit of a Yeatsian Christmas:
“I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,
And a small cabin build there, of clay and wattles made.”
This sense of retreat into the solace of nature and tradition would have shaped the tone of Yeats’ holiday gatherings.
Celebrating Christmas in Yeatsian Style
To honor Christmas in the spirit of Yeats, embrace a blend of Irish tradition and poetic charm. Decorate your home with natural greenery, reminiscent of the Irish landscape, and light candles to symbolize warmth and hope. Prepare a feast inspired by the foods of Ireland, and don’t forget to include a moment of reflection or storytelling.
A William Butler Yeats Christmas is a celebration of Ireland’s cultural richness, the beauty of family, and the timeless magic of poetry. As Yeats himself might say, “Tread softly,” for the season brings memories, traditions, and a sense of wonder that deserves to be cherished.
Spiced Apple Cake Recipe
This moist and flavorful spiced apple cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or a simple dessert with tea.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ½ tsp salt
• ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120ml) unsweetened applesauce
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
For the Topping (Optional):
• ¼ cup (50g) brown sugar
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• 3 tbsp (45g) unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup (30g) chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round or square cake pan, or line it with parchment paper.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and salt. Set aside.
3. Prepare the Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Beat until well mixed. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and applesauce.
4. Combine the Mixtures:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Fold in the chopped apples.
5. Pour into the Pan:
Transfer the batter to the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
6. Prepare the Topping (Optional):
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter. Stir in the chopped nuts if using. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter.
7. Bake the Cake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgence.
Enjoy your spiced apple cake!
Drawing inspiration from William Butler Yeats’ appreciation for both wine and love, as expressed in his poem “A Drinking Song” , here’s a Hot Toddy recipe that combines the warmth of Irish whiskey with the richness of red wine, symbolizing the intertwining of sensory pleasures.
Ingredients:
• 1 ounce (30 ml) Irish whiskey
• 1 ounce (30 ml) dry red wine
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup (240 ml) hot water
• Lemon slice, for garnish
• Cinnamon stick, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Glass: To keep the drink warm longer, preheat your serving glass by filling it with hot water. Let it sit for a minute, then discard the water.
2. Combine Ingredients: In the warmed glass, add the Irish whiskey, red wine, honey, and fresh lemon juice.
3. Add Hot Water: Pour in the hot water, leaving some space at the top of the glass. Stir gently until the honey is fully dissolved.
4. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with a lemon slice. For added warmth and flavor, you can also add a cinnamon stick. Serve hot.
This Hot Toddy variation pays homage to Yeats’ poetic intertwining of wine and love, offering a unique and warming beverage to enjoy during contemplative moments.
Not Your Grams Kitchen 