SEAN HALLINAN takes a trip down memory lane as he describes the time-honoured Christmas traditions of yesteryear.

In bygone years, Christmas officially began in rural Ireland when the parcel arrived from America or England, writes PADRAIC NEARY.

The National Museum of Ireland is inviting people to escape the hustle and bustle and discover some Christmas traditions from yesteryear, through a new programme of events and activities at Turlough Park, Castlebar, this December.