Christmas Day is without doubt the best day of the year: presents, an early morning tipple, films, family time and, of course, a massive dinner.
But while those of us who just plop ourselves down and dig in to a Christmas dinner revel in the end product, the cooking is often left to a brave few.
From stress peeling spuds and carrots to roasting meats with more precise timing than a Swiss watch, this person is the unsung hero of Christmas Day.
Let’s be honest, the “stress” we’re talking about is more than just a bit of peeling. It’s a high-stakes culinary heist where the loot is gravy and the potential casualties are Aunt Maureen’s feelings and a tragically dry turkey.
Now, imagine an alternative. You arrive at a beautifully decorated restaurant and a smiling person hands you a glass of fizz.
You peruse a menu where everything is included and the only decision you need to make is whether to have the cheeseboard or the sticky toffee pudding.
Jumper
You can wear your new Christmas jumper without fear of splashing it with boiling cabbage water. You can actually have a conversation that isn’t punctuated by the frantic clatter of oven doors and the smoke alarm cheering you on.
The kids can be… well, kids, without anyone hissing: “Get out of the kitchen, I’ve got a dozen things on the hob!” (I think this may have turned into a bit of childhood trauma relief somewhere, sorry mum!)
Best of all, when the last mince pie crumb is gone, you simply… push your chair back. There is no two-hour battle with a mountain of washing-up, no scrubbing a roasting, just a leisurely stroll to the car or a walk home.
Check-In
No matter where you live on the island, there are plenty of options for Christmas dinner from the Ginger Hall to Falcon’s Nest or something entirely different at Gandhi Restaurant.
You can even get a ready to go roast which you just need to heat at home from places such as New Cod on the Block.
Alternatively, go that one step further and take every drop of stress out of Christmas by checking in to one of the island’s hotels serving Christmas dinners with a great night’s sleep and breakfast, from the Welbeck to the Palace and The Comis, give your family a Christmas you can all relax in and love.
In association with Love Manx