A Christmas Eve Letter from Tiny Tadhg!

Dia daoibh, a chairde! (Hello, my friends!)

As I sit here by the fire on this Christmas Eve, I’m feeling a bit wistful (and perhaps still recovering from my cocoa cart raid-induced sugar crash). My time at Saints & Scholars has been nothing short of magical. From the moment I tiptoed into the pub, you’ve welcomed me with open arms, warm smiles, and more laughter than I’ve heard in a century.

I’ll admit, I’ve had my share of mischief—sneaking sips of Connemara whiskey, pouring perfect pints (if I do say so myself), redecorating trees with snowmen, and my infamous cocoa cart escapade. But sure, what’s life without a little craic (fun)?

Even so, what I’ll treasure most are the moments when I caught your eyes light up—whether it was gathering around the cocoa cart, laughing over a pint, or leaving a special surprise for someone on the Wall of Cheers. The generosity and warmth among friends (and even strangers) made this place feel like home to me. It’s a rare kind of magic, the sort that lingers long after the season ends.

Seeing the little ones search for me each day was a delight, but it wasn’t just the wee ones. You big kids, too, with your coloring contest entries and your hearty laughs, have reminded me that the magic of Christmas belongs to all of us, no matter our age.

In Ireland, we have a saying: Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin (there’s no fireside like your own fireside). And I’ve felt that here in your pub, where the warmth of your company is better than any hearth. It’s a place where strangers quickly become friends, and every pint poured carries a story waiting to be shared.

But alas, the time has come for me to return to the North Pole. Santa will want to hear all about your antics (don’t worry, I’ll leave out the bit where someone tried to blame the missing cookie jar on me).

Before I head off into the frosty skies, I just want to say go raibh míle maith agaibh (thank you a thousand times over) for letting me be part of your Christmas season. You’ve reminded me of all that makes this time of year so special: togetherness, laughter, and the kind of cheer that stays long after the decorations are packed away.

Now, I’ve left a wee sentiment behind, a little reminder of my time here in the pub. I’ll be dreaming of next year, when maybe, just maybe, I’ll find my way back to join you again.

Until then, keep the fire lit, the stories flowing, and the craic alive!

Slán agus Beannacht (Goodbye and blessings),
Tiny Tadhg

🎄P.S. If you see Santa tonight, tell him I deserve a spot on the nice list—mostly!

✨P.P.S. I couldn’t resist leaving you with one last challenge. Inspired by a cherished symbol of the season in Ireland, I’ve penned this final riddle for you to ponder.

Can you guess what I’m referring to?

In the stillness of night, as the world takes its rest,
I shine with a purpose, a quiet request.
Through winter's veil, my glow persists,
A herald of hope on a night such as this.

For wanderers seeking a shelter near,
I cast my warmth, a solace clear.
A sacred watch, my vigil keeps,
Through the hallowed hours as the earth softly sleeps.

A whisper of faith, a heart's embrace,
A timeless guide in this sacred space.
On this eve of wonder, I humbly stand,
A gentle light for a weary land.

Pronunciation Guide:

Dia daoibh, a chairde (DEE-uh DEE-iv, uh KHAR-juh – Hello, my friends)

craic (crak-fun)

Níl aon tinteán mar do thinteán féin (NEEL ain TIN-chawn mar duh HIN-chawn fayn – there’s no fireside like your own fireside)

go raibh míle maith agaibh (guh rev ME-luh mah AH-giv – thank you a thousand times over)

Slán agus Beannacht (SLAWN ah-gus BAN-ockt – Goodbye and blessings)

Nollaig Shona Daoibh! (Null-ig Hunna DEE-iv – Merry Christmas to you all!)

Holiday Hours & Events Reminder

As we head into the holidays, here’s a quick update on our hours and exciting events:

• Christmas Day: Closed

• Monday, Dec 30: Open 12 PM–9 PM

• New Year’s Eve: Open 12 PM–10 PM

  • Celebrate Irish New Year at 4 PM and New York New Year at 9 PM!

  • Nick Mardon will perform throughout the day.

  • Special NYE dinner, drink specials, and champagne toasts at each celebration (details coming soon!).

• New Year’s Day: Open 10 AM–9 PM

  • Bloody Mary Bar: 10 AM–2 PM

  • Ladies’ Night: 6 PM–9 PM ($8 martinis & live music, theme TBD)

• January 5th: Nollaig na mBan Afternoon Tea.