THERE’S nothing better than an Irish Christmas.

The food, the drink, the traditions - and above all the friendliness of friends and family around you.

The lucky ones will be heading back across the Irish Sea this year to enjoy that traditional Christmas in Ireland.

Ferry and air operators are offering a host of attractive fares for those looking to return home for the festive season — but remember it’s best to book early to ensure your seat and get the best deal.

The choice of date is up to you - for traditionally the Christmas season begins on December 8 and lasts until January 6.

Cities like Cork, Dublin and Galway turn into a festive wonderland from the beginning of December - with choirs large and small singing on the sidewalks, street musicians with flutes, harps, violins or guitars playing the strains of familiar carols and favourite Christmas recordings wafting from the shops.

But if you can’t make it back to Ireland for Christmas don’t worry. You can still enjoy that traditional Irish Christmas here in Britain.

Scores of companies now offer Irish-themed gifts, cards and food and drink from the Emerald Isle.

And this year an increasing number of bars and restaurants are providing special Irish Christmas menus.

The advent of the internet also means you don’t even have to move from home to order that distinctive Gaelic gift for your loved ones.

Remember, Ireland also has its own distinctive Christmas traditions - many of which have their root in the time when the Gaelic culture and religion of the country were being suppressed.

The carol The 12 Days of Christmas is Ireland’s very own - written when it was a crime to be Catholic and to practice one’s faith.

It was devised as a catechism song to help young Catholics learn the beliefs of their faith and as a memory aid-when being caught with anything in writing indicating adherence to the Catholic faith could not only get you hung.

The songs gifts are hidden meanings to the teachings of the faith and the “true love” mentioned in the lyrics doesn’t refer to an earthly suitor but to God.

Other traditions include the placing of a lighted candle in the window of a house on Christmas Eve which is still practised today as a symbol of welcome to Mary and Joseph.