We always say it: Christmas is more than just a day, but Patrick Kielty wanted to make sure wife Cat’s parents didn’t miss out on their sons opening presents on Christmas morning in Ireland.
The Late Late Show host and Cat planned to spend the festive season in his native Dundrum in County Down with his mum and brothers this year, but extended the invite to his in-laws too, who came for the big day.
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Speaking to RSVP Live about their family traditions, Patrick admitted that their Christmas Day normally starts out quite civilised before it turns into a big event as the day progresses- no matter where they are.
He said ‘Christmas is always where the tree is, sometimes we have it with Cat’s mum and dad and sometimes we have it in Dundrum. This year we are in Dundrum, which means I am smiling about it, but it also means I am organising a bit more.’
This year, Patrick said he planned to start out the day with a walk before the extended family would head to the local pub in Dundrum, which opens for a few hours on Christmas Day to ‘thank their loyal customers’.
Like many parents, he also normally has an early excited alarm call from his sons when Santa arrives, as Milo, eight, and James, five, are eager to get up as early as possible to enjoy their gifts.
As for his own stand out memories of Christmas presents, the 53-year-old said there was one in particular that still stands out in his mind- Evil Knievel.
‘He was a stunt man and daredevil who used to jump over buses and the Grand Canyon,’ he reminisced. ‘It was American and the idea of something American turning up in county Down never happened.
‘My dad’s sister lived in America, so she got it for me. I remember jumping him over the dog. I still miss him!’
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