TODAY marks the official end of the twelve days of Christmas – and traditionally it meant Irish women could finally put their feet up and relax.
January 6 is known as Little Christmas around the world but in Ireland, we call it Nollaig na mBan – or Women’s Christmas.
In the past, today is the day that the wives and mothers across Ireland would sit back while the fathers and sons would take care of the dinner and washing up.
In times gone by, Irish women would use Nollaig na mBan to head down to the town and spend the money they earned by selling eggs from their chickens during the previous year.
And despite the remaining 364 days being fed and watered, some reluctant Irishmen dubbed the day Nollaig gan Mhaith - or No Good Christmas.
Though the tradition is now dying out, many parts of Cork report almost a 100 per cent female clientele every January 6.
Naturally, Irish people have taken to social media to discuss the day.
Have a look at some of the best tweets here…
Spare a thought for the lesbian households on Nollaig na mBan, where no housework gets done and no dinner is made. #youdoitnoyoudoit
— Una Mullally (@UnaMullally) January 6, 2016
Happy Irish Galentine's Day to all #NollaigNamBan pic.twitter.com/z6sCUTECxm
— Derek O'Brien (@DirkVanBryn) January 6, 2016
Men's Christmas was far more fun. We had presents. Better up your game ladies! #NollaigNamBan
— Stephen Ryan (@StephenRyanj) January 6, 2016
#NollaigNamBan shona daoibh. I'm still reading it as Nollaig Nam Ban... pic.twitter.com/iqGVmrgAce
— Claire Ní Chanainn (@clairenichan) January 6, 2016
