President honours those who cannot be home for Christmas

Hundreds of people gathered at Áras an Uachtaráin to witness the annual Christmas tree lighting hosted by President Michael D Higgins and his wife Sabina.

In a speech, the President said emigrants, immigrants and members of the Irish Defence Forces who are unable to make it back home for Christmas were in people's thoughts at this time.

“And so this evening, as we light the Christmas tree in Áras an Uachtaráin, we will remember all of the people for whom it is being lit – we will remember our emigrants who will be with us in spirit, even if they cannot make it home for Christmas this year.

"We will remember those who have lost someone, the bereaved for whom this Christmas will be a particularly sad and difficult time; we will remember the lonely, the ill and the homeless; we will remember those who have come to Ireland in recent times to make a new home here and who will be bringing their own special memories to their Christmas celebrations," he said.

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Peacekeeping duties

He said members of the Irish Defence Forces who will be absent from home this Christmas performing peacekeeping duties in troubled parts of the world would also be forefront of people’s minds.

All of those working in crucial jobs over the festive season “including the gardaí and all the emergency services and the medical staff in hospitals across the country” would also be honoured, “and, of course, we remember our own families and friends and neighbours who are such an important part of our own Christmas celebrations”.

The President welcomed 189 children to the Áras, who also met Santa Claus and witnessed the Christmas tree lighting. Children and their families also gathered for photos with the presidential couple.

A woman on stilts wearing a red-and-black striped dress walked around a room, her head reaching the chandeliers. She was greeted by children who looked at her in wonder.

A young girl in a red dress, who looked about two, approached her. “We’re wearing the same colour dress!” the woman said, “Do you want to swap?”

The little girl looked at her curiously. “I have my own.”

Children lined up to meet Santa in the next room, and he duly gave each of them presents as they departed.

Sarah Smyth, attending the event for a second time, was there with her two daughters, Sadie (5) and Robyn (2 ).

‘Lucky to be here’

“It’s very exciting. [The kids] are excited about it. . . It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. We’re lucky to be here again,” she said.

After meeting the President, Santa and the “very tall woman”, the guests moved to another area where food was served and a magician took to the stage.

Clarecastle/Ballyea Youth Choir and Leah Barniville also performed captivating performances following the President's speech.

Wrapping up the occasion, everyone gathered outside to count down as the President hit the button that lit up the tree, to cheers and applause. A group gathered around the tree for a rendition of Jingle Bells.

For the children it was a night to remember – and perhaps for the grown-ups too.