With the festive season just around the corner, a fun and thought-provoking Reddit thread recently asked the question: “Fathers of Ireland, what do ye want for Christmas?” The responses are a delightful mix of humour, practicality, and the occasional heartfelt wish. As we sift through the comments, we see a reflection of Irish dads, their wants and needs, and a good helping of the signature Irish wit.

Here’s a breakdown of what Irish fathers are really hoping to find under the tree this Christmas.

1. Peace, Quiet, and a Cup of Tea (That Stays Hot)

One of the most common themes in the thread revolves around the desire for a bit of peace and quiet. Many Irish dads expressed that all they want for Christmas is a few uninterrupted moments to themselves—whether that’s to enjoy a hot cup of tea, read the paper, or simply relax without being asked to fix something around the house.

“I’d give anything for a cuppa that stays warm for more than five minutes,” one commenter quipped. This resonated with other dads, sparking a light-hearted exchange about how rare it is to finish a cup of tea while it’s still hot when you have children.

This simple desire speaks volumes about how fathers in Ireland, and indeed fathers worldwide, often crave moments of tranquility amidst the busy chaos of family life. It’s the small things, like finishing a hot drink, that become cherished luxuries.

2. Tools (But Only If They’re the Ones They Want)

Another popular request in the thread was for tools—though not just any tools. Irish dads are particular about what they want to add to their collections. One father hilariously noted that his family often buys him the “wrong hammer” or tools he doesn’t need, resulting in a Christmas present exchange that becomes a project of itself.

There was a bit of banter about how dads are particular when it comes to their DIY gear. “Don’t buy me another set of screwdrivers, please. I need the good ones, not the set with three sizes that break after two uses,” wrote another father. It’s clear that if tools are on the shopping list for Dad, it’s best to ask for specifics or risk getting the dreaded “polite thank you.”

3. A New Pair of Socks (Yes, Really)

It might be the quintessential “dad gift,” but many fathers in the Reddit thread genuinely expressed a love for the old reliable: socks. But they didn’t just want any old pair. It turns out, Irish dads are particular about their socks, too.

A user humourously commented, “A good pair of wool socks and I’m happy out,” followed by a chorus of agreement from other dads who lamented the decline in quality of their sock drawers. Good socks, it seems, are a practical gift that dads can appreciate. They’re the type of item fathers won’t buy for themselves but are secretly delighted to receive.

4. No More Tech—Unless It’s a Gadget for Them

Interestingly, many fathers expressed frustration with the influx of tech in their lives—especially when it’s not for them. One dad shared a story about how every Christmas brings new gadgets for the kids, which means he spends the entire day setting them up and troubleshooting. “Last year, I spent three hours trying to connect the Wi-Fi to some fancy game console—what I want this year is no tech I have to fix!”

However, there was a flip side to this coin. While tech for the kids might be a headache, several dads did express interest in gadgets for themselves—whether that’s noise-cancelling headphones (to enhance their pursuit of peace and quiet) or smart tools that would help with DIY projects.

5. Sentimental Gifts and Time with Family

Amidst the humour and practicality, some dads revealed that what they really want is time with their families and perhaps a more sentimental gift. One father noted that all he wanted was a day where the whole family was together without distractions—a wish that many families may relate to during the busy Christmas season.

Others mentioned the joy of receiving something handmade by their kids, such as a card or a craft project. For some, the holiday isn’t about the material gifts at all but the memories created with their loved ones.

6. An Escape to the Pub

Of course, no discussion about Irish fathers and Christmas would be complete without a few mentions of the local pub. Many dads jokingly suggested they’d love a few hours to themselves at the pub—“a couple of pints with the lads” was a common theme. It’s a reflection of how dads across Ireland enjoy unwinding in the company of friends and community, and Christmas time is no exception.

It’s the Simple Things That Matter

The simple things in life are often the most appreciated. From uninterrupted cups of tea to the perfect pair of socks, it’s clear that what many dads want is a break from the hustle and bustle, some time to relax, and the joy of spending quality time with their families.

So, if you’re shopping for Dad this Christmas, remember—it doesn’t have to be flashy or expensive. Sometimes, the greatest gift is a quiet moment or a thoughtful gesture. And if all else fails, there’s always socks.