Christmas Day is a “celebration of family” and is not the right time for a proposal, according to a leading hotelier and TV personality.

Former royal butler and etiquette expert Grant Harold has warned against Christmas Day proposals.

Noel Cunningham from Harvey’s Point Hotel in Donegal agreed there are much more suitable times to propose.

On Newstalk Breakfast today, Mr Cunningham said family comes first.

“Christmas Day is very much a day now that we should allocate to the rare coming together of family for a celebration of family,” he said.

“Maybe just maybe a bride-to-be or groom-to-be may not wish to water down such a significant day and get it confused.

“I believe that Christmas Day is thought of far and wide as a day for families.”

Changing habits

Mr Cunningham said emigration has led to changing proposal habits.

“If you’re coming home from Australia, you and your girlfriend, to expecting families who are all excited about your coming,” he said.

“You are maybe not coming back for a couple of years so maybe you do decide to get engaged then to share that wonderful joy when you make that trip.

“That’s why the tilt has gone to the major times of the year that we celebrate occasions, it used to be always, always, always New Year’s or Valentine's Day.”

Noel Cunningham pictured with the Prince of Wales in Donegal Town. 25-5-2016. PA Images / Alamy Stock Photo

New Year's is the best option, according to Mr Cunningham.

“What better time to commit to another person to love and to cherish at New Year’s when there is new hope, bright days ahead and spring is coming?” he said.

“I just love New Year and I think it’s just the perfect time; let Christmas be Christmas - a family celebration.

“Leave the going down on one knee to New Year’s Day or New Year's Eve.”

Traditions

Mr Cunningham said it’s also important to keep traditions going.

“I am always preaching about throwing out the baby with the bathwater,” he said.

“Some of the beautiful old standards around engagement, like going down on one knee, should be continued.

“Of course, ladies can also go down on one knee and pop the question.”

You can listen back here:

Main image: A man proposes to his girlfriend on Christmas day. Mladen Mitrinovic / Alamy Stock Photo