The usual family Christmas for me revolves around a few too many drinks on Christmas eve, then falling into bed around midnight, wondering if I’ve been good enough to get a visit from Santa this year (I am way too old for all this but still love the idea of it).

Groggily waking up on Christmas day to realise that again I must be on Santa’s naughty list, thus he and his reindeers must have zoomed straight past our house. After a big breakfast, the whole family congregating in the living room for the present giving ceremony, and the usual squabbles about who is going to be the official gift giver.

As the day wears on more drinks are consumed, way too much food is eaten, and one by one, my grandparents fall asleep in their armchairs, followed closely behind by my Mum and Dad and the pet dog. Piles of washing up are on the counter in the kitchen; with the rest of the house looking like a bomb hit it, piles of papers, empty wrappers and a myriad of items strewn around.

While my family snore away and my brother refuses to help, glued to his x-box, i wearily start on the pile of washing up, and tidying up the mess lying around. Does this sound like your Christmas at all?

Family Christmases are great, despite all the squabbles and mess. But what if you could do it in luxury, and get someone else to do all the hard work for you? I know I would jump at the chance!

Imagine staying at a luxury manor in the country, surrounded by picturesque scenery. You arrive on Christmas Eve; a butler meets you as you pull up at the majestic property. He opens the door for you with a formal bow, and carries your luggage as you follow him inside.

On arrival inside, a smartly dressed concierge graciously welcomes you with a glass of sparkling Kir Royale and a steaming mince pie. Classical musicians are making beautiful, haunting festive tunes swirl out around the room. The day’s events are explained to you and then you are ushered up to your suite.

How you spend the rest of the day is up to you, no rushing about cooking or tidying up. You could spend your afternoon in your private jacuzzi, eating strawberries and sipping on champagne with your partner. Then take a bracing walk around the impressive grounds. Follow this up later with a pampering in the spa, and a belt busting five course Christmas Eve feast. And the best thing – you won’t have to lift a finger washing up, or tidying any mess!

If you fancy something a little different to a manor, maybe hiring a private luxury property might be more your thing. There are all different styles and designs of palatial abodes, just waiting for you to come and make yourself at home.

Imagine getting the family together at a chic property by the sea, with all the mod cons. Waves crashing nearby, as you all cozy up on the outdoor heated decking under the stars. You could get a chef in to handle the cooking for you, while you relax back with a mojito.

Alternately, go out for the night to a Michelin starred restaurant. The food is guaranteed to be topnotch, and you will be treated like royalty. Way to much gourmet cuisine and cocktails later, you will be dropped off back at your extravagant abode where you can sink into, the fluffy posh pillows, and float into a comfortable sleep.

Doesn’t this sound amazing! I’m definitely sold on the luxury Christmas thing and will be planting the seeds of this idea into my family’s heads, for a next year, extravagant, luxurious festive break.