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.
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