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Festive traditions vary dramatically from country to country, with ugly witches delivering toys in Italy and a Starman delivering beatings in Poland - but Ireland boasts a uniquely exacting Christmas schedule. Over the next seven articles, Shane Hegartyunwraps the full package - starting with CHRISTMAS EVE.

THE IRISH HAVE IT relatively easy on Christmas Eve. Our custom is long-standing but simple. In the morning, we go to work where we spend at least two hours compiling an e-mail vacation message before running out to do whatever shopping (eg, all of it) that hasn't already been done. Then we return to the office, spend another hour editing the e-mail vacation message before going for one drink that becomes five. We then head for home having left at least one bag of presents at the pub.