Schools have been told that parents cannot attend end-of-term celebrations due to restrictions around COVID-19.
Nativity plays and other pre-Christmas celebrations are always a big part of the school year.
But this year, they're going to be very different.
The Department of Education says because of public health guidelines, big groups like choirs should be avoided.
They're also advising that instruments such as the recorder and tin whistle shouldn't be played indoors because of the extra risk they pose.
Outdoor performances, including Christmas singing, can take place with social distancing and the pod system in place.
However, parents and guardians won't be allowed to attend any of the celebrations - and instead have to watch them through the school website or Zoom.
It comes as the Minister for Health has said it is still not clear when normal life can resume despite hopes of a COVID-19 vaccine being available in Ireland soon.
The route to a bit more normality next year is a vaccine but Stephen Donnelly says there are issues to be worked out when one becomes available.
The National Public Health Emergency Team is meeting today to consider how vaccines can be rolled out across the country.
They will also review the latest covid trends amid concerns about 8 ICU admissions in the latest 24 hour period, the highest since the spring.
Reporting by Stephen Murphy
