During Christmas, placing a light in the window of one’s home is
a tradition in parts of the west 
of Ireland, including Kinvara. In the old days the cottage door was also left unlocked throughout the night and a member of the family watched in prayer. The tradition arose from the story of the flight of the Holy Family into Egypt, following which, Joseph, Mary and Jesus wandered without shelter for fourteen days and nights.
Candles are placed in the windows to mark the event and offer safe refuge.
W.A. Record 20th December 1919 p20 abridged
The Burren and Beyond 