The sleigh has few practical advantages over a modern car, but even our resolutely pragmatic motoring desk understands the importance of tradition at this time of year.

Of course, Father Christmas would be significantly better off in a solid Volvo V90 or perhaps a Skoda Superb estate in L&K 4×4 trim, although we concede that there’s more romance to the sound of bells than the hum of a 268bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine.

Perhaps the old fellow will get with the times and choose an electric car this year.

Accepting, for now, that Santa has ignored our advice for yet another year, he will need to follow several different laws when he and his vehicle arrive in Britain. The Highway Code in general applies to vehicles being used on our public roads, but there are sections worth highlighting in particular.

And while there is little by way of reindeer-specific legislation in this country, many regulations are very vague in the animals that they apply to – a sleigh user, to some extent, is likely to have to comply with horse and carriage laws.

Can I drive a sleigh on an ordinary car licence?

A horse-drawn vehicle can generally be driven without a car licence. If you have a full driving licence, however, you’ll be at a significant advantage over those who attempt to use the public road on a horse and cart (or reindeer and sleigh) without one.

Furthermore, if you plan to take paying passengers in your sleigh, you may be required to apply to local authorities before doing so. A council may stipulate that you need a driver’s licence in order to obtain the requisite hackney carriage licence. There may also be further checks needed – including veterinary inspection of your reindeer – before plying for trade.