Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Irish (Gaelic) word for Christmas is "Nollaig" (pronounced naw-lig). It derives from Old Irish nollaig, meaning "birthday" (referring to Christ's birth). Used throughout the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. Common phrases: Nollaig Shona (Happy Christmas), Nollaig na mBan (Women's Christmas, Jan 6). The English word "Christmas" is also widely understood.