Boris Johnson has told the public to "try not to have too many arguments with the in-laws" as it was revealed he was dodging spending Christmas his own family.
Instead the PM will be holed up in No10 with live-in girlfriend Carrie Symonds and dog Dilyn.
Mr. Johnson's family - especially sister Rachel and brother Jo - have been critics of his hardline approach to Brexit .
The PM's bid for festive peace and quiet came as both he and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn paid tribute to NHS staff and other public servants working through the holidays in their annual Christmas messages.
While the two leaders both praised the efforts of those who were putting their celebrations on hold to look after others, the tone of their messages could hardly be more different.
Mr Corbyn, in what will almost certainly be his last Christmas message as Labour leader, reflected ruefully on his catastrophic defeat while expressing his hope for a "better world".
"This has been a difficult year for many of us.
"We didn't succeed in delivering the change that so many people so desperately need," he said.
"But Christmas is a chance to listen, reflect and remember all the things that bind us together: our compassion, our determination to tackle injustice and our hope for a better world."
Mr Johnson spoke of the Christians around the world who were facing persecution for their beliefs.
."For them, Christmas Day will be marked in private, in secret, perhaps even in a prison cell," he said.
"As Prime Minister, that's something I want to change.
"We stand with Christians everywhere, in solidarity, and will defend your right to practice your faith.
"So as a country let us reflect on the year, and celebrate the good that is to come."
