‘I know the to-do is still long – presents have to be wrapped and food has to be prepared, but you’re here now, so take this hour to embrace what Christmas is all about.”

And so with the words of Ms Doyle, the principal of my daughter’s primary school, I did just that last week and gave my full attention to my child’s Nativity play.

The church came alive with children’s voices singing those Christmas carols that so many of us know so well – Silent Night, Away in a Manger, and O Come All Ye Faithful. Their smiles were infectious and the music was beautiful and I really did relax and appreciate the beauty of Christmas.

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There’s something about those carols that touch a chord, which is why we are delighted to have Celine Byrne on our front cover of this, our Christmas issue, of Irish Country Living.

The soprano singer brings a freshness to those old songs that are weaved into our Christmas traditions and memories. And there really is no other time of year when tradition is so important and poignant.

That is very clear as some of my colleagues here in the Irish Farmers Journal reflect on their family traditions, and it’s clear how fiercely defensive people become about them – especially food.

I had to laugh at Kate Brennan Harding and her family’s trio of starters – prawn cocktail, paté and wait for it... corn on the cob. Now prawn cocktail and paté are fairly standard Christmas food, but that’s the first I’ve heard of corn on the cob on Christmas Day. Yet when her mother attempted to change the trio, there was uproar.

As we take some time off to relax and enjoy the Christmas break, I’d like to thank the team here in Irish Country Living, and our contributors, for a stellar year of hard work. And to you, our readers, thank you for continuing to make Irish Country Living your weekly read

And you may not have heard of bread sauce but my colleague Clodagh Carey raves about it each December, insisting that no one has perfected it quite like her mother Eileen.

Although seasons change, these traditions, unique as they are to each family, help keep us connected to the magic of the season.

One colleague that is not featured in the piece, but who I would like to give a special mention to is Caitríona Morrissey, deputy editor of the Irish Farmers Journal. This may be the last paper of the year, but it is also Caitriona’s last issue writing in the Journal. Her career is bringing her in a new direction, and while we may be losing a great writer, so too, is the world of journalism. A talented journalist, she has a real passion for chasing a great news story, and is also one of the best people you could go to for advice or a second opinion. Thank you Caitríona for the chats and the laughs and we wish you and your family all the best.

As we take some time off to relax and enjoy the Christmas break, I’d like to thank the team here in Irish Country Living, and our contributors, for a stellar year of hard work. And to you, our readers, thank you for continuing to make Irish Country Living your weekly read.

On behalf of all the team, we would like to wish you all a very happy and peaceful Christmas. Nollaig shona daoibh go léir.