The new year is a time when many people make goals and resolutions that they hope to accomplish in the new year. For those who love Celtic culture, there are ways to incorporate Celtic culture into these goals. Personally, I have a few of these on my goals list for the new year as well!
Learn one of the Celtic languages
Learning a new language is on many people’s resolution list.
There are plenty of resources for learning a Celtic language, including Welsh
and Irish, and any other language. Many of these resources are free, and others
may be accessed for free through a library.
Attend a Celtic festival
There are Celtic festivals all over the world. These
festivals are a lot of fun and offer a great way to learn about various aspects
of Celtic culture, from sports and music to food and dancing. There are general
Celtic festivals, and some are geared toward specific countries.
Celebrate Bloomsday or other literary day
Bloomsday is celebrated in June each year and celebrates the
day that takes place in James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” In Philadelphia, the Rosenbach
hosts an event each year where they read the book. Other places celebrate the
day in other ways as well. If nothing else, make it a goal to read the book.
Travel to one of the Celtic nations
This is not always feasible, but if you have the means to do
so, travel to one of the Celtic nations. Personally, I am saving up to go to
Ireland. While I do not think I’ll make it in 2026, I have a goal of how much I
would like to have saved by the end of the year.
Take dance lessons
Celtic dance is one of the most noteworthy and popular
aspects of Celtic culture. Whether you are learning Ceili dances or how to Irish
step dance, there are several kinds of dance you can learn. See if there are
dance schools near you that have lessons for adults.
Find out more about your Celtic genealogy
This is a goal I want to do personally. I have family from
Ireland who may have lived in Scotland. I have genealogy work that my family
did, but I personally want to go on and verify the information myself. I want
to know where my family members lived. This can further connect me, and anyone else
who does their genealogy, to their family and Celtic culture as a whole.
Try new Celtic pubs and restaurants
This is difficult for me as there are not many Irish or
Celtic pubs and restaurants near me, but I want to overcome my driving anxiety to
drive to places that are a bit farther away than I would normally go. There are
a few I know of that I want to push myself to go to.
Cook and bake Celtic recipes
Admittedly, I am not much of a cook or a baker, but I want
to learn. What better way to learn how to cook than to try out Celtic recipes?
I have a few cookbooks already and am eager to get started. I promise to share
my adventures on the blog!
Attend a St. Patrick’s Day Parade
I am planning on going to the Glenside parade and festival,
but I would love to be able to go to the Philadelphia parade this year. It is
one I have always wanted to attend, and I want to be able to plan and go this
year.
Related articles
-Best Celtic Songs of 2025: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/11/best-celtic-songs-of-2025.html
-Celtic Christmas Carols: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/celtic-christmas-carols.html
-Album Review: "Nollaig-A Christmas Journey" by Celtic Woman: https://kiltedowl.blogspot.com/2025/12/album-review-nollaig-christmas-journey.html