It’s that time of year when doctors might don their best Santa hats, sparkly bauble earrings and reindeer antler headbands in an effort to spread a little festive cheer.

But is a silly hat reasonable — or professional — in a job where the news for patients can be serious, even at Christmas time?

With the season at hand, the BMJ has canvassed doctors on whether they think festive attire is appropriate to wear on the wards at Christmas.

“Are festive trimmings a ho, ho, ho or a no, no, no?” the journal asked doctors in a December issue.