Not surprisingly, the true meaning of Christmas was the subject of several editorials in the provincial papers.
The Westmeath Examiner explored "The Dawn of Promise". "If Christmas ought to be a caring, sharing and peaceful time, we should pause occasionally and reflect on how we have promoted or relegated the concept.
"In all too many homes in Westmeath there are families living out this Christmas having lost employment and wondering what the next year will bring . . . while unemployment in the country generally is lessening, the numbers in the poverty trap are too high. This is where our caring and sharing can lighten the load."
The Roscommon Champion editorial looked at "A fast-moving world in need of some goodwill".
It stated: "We are in danger of losing our famous friendliness, hospitality and generosity of spirit. It would be nice, midst the materialism, to remember this Christmas that the festive season is meant to be a time of goodwill to all people. Of course we should give presents; but we should also give friendliness and most of all we should give time."
Castlebar still maintains one of its most ancient traditions, the Mayo News reminded readers.
Its "Castlebar Diary" described the custom of The Waits: "The custom - thought to originate with "The Watch" of medieval times - involves the calling out of householders' names in the early hours of the morning to assure them that all is well in the neighbourhood, a task performed by a strolling watchman and his musician assistant."
Mr Joe Geraghty and Mr Stephen Guthrie are to be complimented for their observance of the traditions, said the diary.
Other traditions were not as merry, as Scrooges took advantage of the less fortunate in Co Wexford. The front page of the New Ross Standard said: "Moneylenders are preying on cashstrapped parents in New Ross who are under pressure to deliver for Christmas while in receipt of low incomes and social welfare allowances." The interest rates being charged are exorbitant, said the Standard.
Ms Ingrid O'Brien, co-ordinator of the New Ross Centre for the Unemployed, said: "This is when problems with money-lenders arise. The whole month of December puts immense pressure on families to deliver and that is when they turn to money-lenders who would be preying on them."
The fields of Athenry are being overrun by the hoods of Athenry, according to the Tuam Herald. "Athenry is to have its full compliment of gardai restored following concerns that the town was left effectively unprotected on a recent weekend when gangs of youths engaged in what was described as `gang warfare' in the street."
"Let there be light!" was the joyful cry from residents of Clare Island this holiday season, according to the Western People. "The residents of Clare Island are expecting a silent but much brighter Christmas this year thanks to the ESB which has replaced the former system of generator driven power on the Island and connected it to the National Network, using a cable to the mainland."