Yuletide Day 16

✨ Treasure the Small Moments ✨

Tiny Tadhg has been busier than ever this week—decorating, sneaking treats, and stirring up a little mischief. But in true poet’s fashion, even his silliest antics carry a gentle reminder: it’s the little moments of laughter, kindness, and connection that make this season magical.

This Week’s Antics

Tadhg’s playful side has been on full display:

Dreaming of Snow: Tadhg scaled the old apothecary bottles, decorating them with snowflake picks from the bar. Perhaps he’s summoning snow for a proper white Christmas? ❄️

Then we found him upside down in the candy jar, tangled in string lights! These two scenarios leave us feeling like Tadhg seems unimpressed with our decorations—but thrilled with the sweets! (unfortunately we were too slow to catch a snapshot this time!)

Near the Liquor, Looking Guilty: Spotted suspiciously close to the vodka bottles, it looked like he might have been aiming for a cheeky sip. Naughty, Tadhg!

Cocoa Cart Schemes: We last found him perched on the office wreath, with a borrowed measuring spoon. Could he be plotting a cocoa cart raid? Thankfully, Sunday’s cocoa stash remains safe… for now.

The children have been especially excited to find him each day, earning a sweet reward when they share his hiding spots with our staff. Tiny Tadhg was also thrilled to see many more names added to the “Wall of Cheers”! The little guy is certainly excited about the festive cheer being spread throughout the pub!

Tadhg’s Delight in the Coloring Contest

Tiny Tadhg has been absolutely delighted by the creativity coming from the coloring contest. The entries have been bursting with color and imagination!

The creativity has been contagious this week. On Thursday, we were honored to host the annual city breakfast for the third year in a row. It’s always a privilege to welcome this event and celebrate those who do so much for our community. During clean-up, Tadhg was especially tickled when we discovered a completed coloring page from a 32-year-old fireman—proof that a little playful fun knows no age!

Of course, the contest itself is for our youngest artists (ages 12 and under). Tiny Tadhg enjoyed the entries so much that he’s decided to extend the contest deadline to December 23rd, with winners announced on December 26th. Keep those creative entries coming—he can’t wait to see more!

✨Tiny Tadhg’s Favorite Author ✨

Tadhg may be playful, but he’s a poet at heart, and this week he let us in on one of his favorite inspirations. We discovered Tiny Tadhg’s favorite author is none other than William Butler Yeats. He’s particularly fond of the famous quote, “There are no strangers here, only friends you have not yet met.”

We couldn’t agree more—this quote perfectly captures the heart of Saints & Scholars. Guests who correctly guessed Yeats were rewarded with a complimentary sausage roll. Thank you to everyone who joined the challenge!

But Tiny Tadhg isn’t just about the mischief…

Learning a Little More About Tiny Tadhg

After a week of playful hiding and sneaking treats, Tadhg has been reflecting more deeply on the season and its Yuletide traditions. For him, Christmas isn’t just about the fun and mischief (though he does love sweets and cocoa!), it’s also about the stories we share—and the memories we create.

The Tradition of Christmas Storytelling

Storytelling is one of Christmas’s most cherished traditions—a time for families and friends to gather, share laughter, and reflect on the year gone by, weaving tales that bring comfort, joy, hope, and a touch of magic.

While storytelling exists everywhere, it holds a particularly special place in Irish culture, where stories are woven into the very soul of the country’s identity. For centuries, Ireland’s seanchaí (shan-a-key)—the keepers of folklore and history—passed down tales of love, courage, and wit during the darkest winter nights. At Christmas, these stories take on even greater meaning, connecting families to their roots, to one another, and to the spirit of the season.

For Tiny Tadhg, this act of coming together—of sharing stories with loved ones—is at the very heart of what makes Christmas so special.

A Reflection on Storytelling and Treasuring Moments

In the soft glow of the holiday lights, Tiny Tadhg has been reflecting on home—the Fairy Glens of Connemara, where cold winter nights were warmed by stories shared by candlelight.

One story that lingers with him is The Dead by James Joyce. Set during a Christmas gathering in Dublin, the story brims with music, laughter, and the familiar comforts of family. Yet, beneath the joy and celebration, Joyce explores a powerful, bittersweet truth: life is fleeting, and it’s the small, ordinary moments-the ones we often take for granted-that give life its deepest meaning.

As the story closes, snow falls softly over Dublin, blanketing both the present and the past. To Tadhg, this quiet snowfall is more than just a winter scene—it serves as a reminder that, despite life’s transience, love, connection, and memory endure through every season.

This week, Tadhg encourages us to pause and treasure the present: the laughter shared with friends over a pint, the joy of a child finding him in a new spot, or the simple comfort of warm cocoa by the fire.

These fleeting moments, no matter how small, are the ones we’ll carry with us long after the snow has melted.

✨Tiny Tadhg’s Riddle of the Week✨

As Tiny Tadhg sat by the fire this week, he found himself thinking of Christmases back home in Ireland, where simple touches carry deep meaning. Inspired by these traditions, he’s left us a new riddle to ponder…

In simple homes of years gone by,
I brought a touch of cheer nearby.
On Irish doors, I stood with pride,
A humble guest at Christmastide.

Beside the fire, where shadows play,
And storytellers spin their sway,
I linger still, both sharp and bright,
A witness to each winter’s night.

Through frost and gale, my leaves remain,
With crimson gems, a Yuletide chain.
I promise peace, good luck, and cheer,
A sign of hope for the coming year.

What am I?

💡 Submit your answer below by midnight on Wednesday, December 18th!

Where Will Tiny Tadhg Go Next?

With Christmas just around the corner, there’s no telling what he’ll get up to next—so stay tuned for his final Yuletide adventures!

If you spot Tiny Tadhg, share a photo with us and let us know what you’ve been enjoying at Saints & Scholars. Let’s keep spreading smiles and Yuletide cheer together! 🎄