The fighter nicknamed ‘The Gypsy King’ reposted a clip to his more than 1 million Twitter followers, filmed ahead of his return to the boxing big time earlier in December when he faced Deontay Wilder in Los Angeles.

Sporting an elf hat, the bearded boxer uses his favorite “dosser” taunt and riffs on the famous “filthy animals” line from Home Alone to wish fans a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Footballer Patrice Evra – known as something of an Instagram oddball – posted an alternative Christmas Day message on his account in typically bizarre fashion.

Sitting beside a Christmas tree and decked out in a red robe and crown, the defender recapped highlights from his “crazy” year – including the infamous turkey-licking incident – before concluding with the line: “I am the real Santa, so don’t be jealous.”

Who needs the Queen's Speech, eh? 

Football megastar Cristiano Ronaldo had a more conventional Yuletide message for his 149 million Instagram followers, posting a homely picture with his four children and partner Georgina Rodriguez, all suitably dressed in Santa hats.

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova couldn’t contain her child-like excitement on the big day, posting a late-night picture standing in front of her Christmas Tree with the message: “Rarely do I stay up past midnight but it’s Christmas!! I’ll see you soon, Santa.”

Fellow tennis star and Instagram favorite Genie Bouchard is taking to the beach for her Christmas celebrations, and shared a bikini snap from Hawaii with her 1.8 million followers – complete with a swimsuit-clad friend dressed in a Santa hat.

US gymnastics star Simone Biles went big on the gifts this year, showing off a picture of her mom with a brand new Mercedes in a suitably festive red and complete with ribbons.

Irish MMA megastar Conor McGregor showed a softer side in his short and sweet Christmas message, writing: “Life is short. Reach out. Smile. Laugh. Love. We are all in this together,” topped off with a heart emoji.

Indian cricketer Virat Kohli is one of the world’s biggest sports stars, but shared a relatively modest plate of Christmas treats with his 27.6 million Twitter followers.

Kohli and his team are in Australia for the ongoing Test series, however, so are unlikely to be indulging as many millions of others will be around the world.