The holiday acknowledges women's hard work during he Christmas season, and gives them a "day off."
Women's Little Christmas originated decades ago when irish families were large, and men weren't expected to help with housework. On the feast of the Epiphany, men would stay home to take over the household and child-caring chores, giving their weary wives a day's break. The women would often get together at a local pub, forget their responsibilities, and have fun. Or the family would serve a dinner with the woman's favorite food.
As times changed, Women's Little Christmas became less popular, although it is still celebrated in some areas of Ireland such as County Cork.
- Little Blue Book, Diocese of Saginaw