You won't believe how early Irish people start cooking the Christmas dinner...

For many households in Ireland, preparing Christmas dinner is a festive ritual that begins early in the day. 

A new survey undertaken by meal kit provider, HelloFresh Ireland, reveals a dedicated 10% of people start their preparations before 7am, with 7% of these embarking on the task even earlier, before 6am. 

The majority of Ireland, however, begin at a more reasonable hour, with almost half (47%) starting their Christmas dinner efforts between 7am and 10am.

As the day progresses, 26% begin preparations between 10am and midday, and a relaxed 15% wait until midday or later to get started.

When it comes to sitting down to enjoy the feast, a significant portion of the population aims for a mid-afternoon meal.

Between 2pm and 4pm is the most popular time to eat Christmas Dinner in Ireland with nearly half (47%) of respondents sitting down then.

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However, a substantial 42% delay their celebrations, dining at 4pm or later, while 16% opt for an even later meal, sitting down at 6pm or beyond. 

These variations in timing highlight the diversity of Christmas traditions across Ireland, reflecting different schedules, family customs, and the time invested in preparing the meal.

Head of Culinary at HelloFresh Ireland, Hannah Duxbury comments on the survey findings, “Ireland’s love of a hearty Christmas feast means some households are hard at work before sunrise, while others take a more leisurely approach, reflecting the diverse ways families celebrate this cherished holiday.

"This survey highlights the incredible variety in how Irish households approach Christmas dinner, from the early risers who start before dawn to those who take a more relaxed approach later in the day.

“What’s clear is that Christmas dinner isn’t just a meal - it’s a cherished tradition that brings families together, reflecting the dedication, care, and joy that define the festive season in Ireland.”

For more inspiration on how to make your Christmas dinner the main event, visit HelloFresh Ireland.