Every household will have their own opinion about eating out on Christmas Day - some people love to stick the oven on and do it all themselves, while others prefer to kick their feet up and indulge. Nowadays, it's becoming far more popular and common for families to choose the latter.
Emily Gardiner, 32, from Lyddington, East Midlands, first made the decision to eat out for Christmas dinner three years ago, and now she wouldn't have it any other way. As well as less arguments and no washing up, Emily says you feel like royalty for the day and it's well worth £150 per head.
She told the Mirror : "Eating at home is always stressful. From the prep to eating and clearing up.
"Three years ago we decided to treat ourselves and book a table at a local restaurant to see how much calmer it was.
"We were treated like kings and queens and had the festive spirit with zero stress.
"Yes it may be expensive, but it's worth it for a calm day without the running around and washing up hundreds of kitchen utensils."
Emily spends £150 per person on a three-course meal with champagne and wine, and they have their own private room too.
"It's in walking distance so we avoid taxis. We book it in October and I always leave a big tip - that's crucial," she said.
"Don't get me wrong, I love cooking and eating at home - just not on Christmas Day when there's a lot of pressure on the chef."
Emily doesn't feel guilty at all about staff and chefs working as she used to be a waitress and enjoyed working December 25th.
"Christmas Day was something I dreaded as a teenager but when it came to the shift, everyone was in such a good mood and the festive cheer was almost tangible," she said.
"It was honestly one of the best days I had in hospitality and the tips were pretty generous. I looked forward to it every year."
Now Emily is self-employed and runs her own business, Free To Be Creative, so she can enjoy all the luxuries that come with choosing your own hours.
On Christmas Day, her and partner Guy Gibbeson, and his parents, Susie and Bill, will head to their local restaurant together.
"Everyone wants Christmas dinner to be perfect and that comes with a lot of pressure," Emily said.
"Now it's such a weight off our minds and we can avoid weeks of preparation.
"It's well worth £150 for all the enjoyment and happiness we feel on the day."
How do you feel about eating out on Christmas Day? Let us know in the comments.
