Politicians get to swap the pantomime of the House of Commons for the amateur-dramatics on display at the local theatres as the ditch Parliament for some time at home with their friends, families and constituents.

Leaving the Westminster bubble behind them, political debate switches from the committee room to the dinner table as they thrash it out with their nearest and dearest over which Brexit amendment they hate the most.

But for some, December is also a time to stick the boot in to their age-old political rivals as they send out tongue-in-cheek Christmas cards to constituents, journalists and colleagues.

While some pose for a 1980s inspired snap with family members, others may opt for the traditional children’s drawing or eve a humorous image of their own.

Here, Express.co.uk brings you the very best - and worst - political Christmas cards of 2017 and invites you to vote on which festive offering comes top of the charts.

Peter Bone: Bringing you a very Brexit Christmas. The leading light of the Leave campaign offer shows Angela Merkel and Jean-Claude Juncker with bags of coal as he wishes his constituents a “Brexit New Year”.

Theresa May: The prime minister has an adorable selection of three cards to choose from after launching a colouring competition - because, of course, it doesn’t get much better than having your design on the PM’s Christmas card. 

Labour: While the festive season is supposed to be about goodwill to all men, Labour ditched the pleasantries and settled for point scoring with a scathing jab having gained inspiration from the recent Tory party conference.

Nicola Sturgeon: Scotland’s First Minister likes to commission Scottish artists to design her cards. This year is no exception with a festively dressed woman and man entwined in a Noel dance. 

Kevan Jones (and Biff): Dogs are a winner no matter what time of year it is. But one with a tinsel collar looking out cooly over thick snow… no contest.

Donald Trump: Making Christmas great again. No more of the obamas “Happy Holidays” in the White House this year, as the US President wishes Americans a “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year” in his golden card, simply stamped with the golden presidential seal.

Sadiq Khan: Following the PM’s suit, the Mayor of London has stuck to the rule of getting a child to design his card. We hope.

Tony Blair: The ex-PM opted for a more traditional card, posing with his wife Cherie and very cute newborn granddaughter. Frankly here at Express.co.uk we were expecting Brussels (sprouts) to feature highly in his offering…

Jeremy Corbyn: In his 2017 manifesto, oh wait we mean Christmas card…. which happens to be exactly identical to the manifesto cover except the little silhouettes are now wearing wooly hats and scarfs and - reindeer antlers?

Ed Miiband: Having reinvented himself as a leather-clad biker, straddling a Harley Davidson, the former Labour leader is spotted clutching at his infamous bacon sandwich in his attempt at staying ‘down with the kids’. The images was adapted from his appearance on satirical Channel 4 TV show the Last Leg earlier this year.

Richard Harrington: Posing against a festive backdrop in a Watford FC scarf, with a daft grin and two thumbs up - keeping it simple, we like it.

Nigel Evans: Having designed special his and hers mugs especially for the occasion, the senior Tory managed to persuade Theresa May to stand with him as they held mugs resplendent with both their faces beaming (although perhaps more with bemusement than with Christmas spirit).

Siobhain McDonagh: The Labour MP’s festive missive features her and other local party figures around a Christmas tree, surrounded by presents.

Alan Whitehead: Going back to basics, Alan seemed to have created his own card, with a picture of Christmas lights in his Southampton constituency.