More and more people swap turkey and ham for paella by the pool

A GROWING number of Irish people are gladly swapping a four course Christmas dinner in the dining room for a plate of paella

This year thousands of Irish people will enjoy Christmas in the outdoors either sitting by the pool or taking strolls along sun-kissed beaches. And chances are their only over-indulgence will be in relaxation.

“It’s a much healthier way to spend Christmas than sitting at home. Our clients say they end up drinking a lot less alcohol during the week,” says Fergus Kilkelly, director of the Irish Travel Agents Association.