Sir Paul McCartney is hoping to have a "well-deserved rest" over the festive season.

The 82-year-old music icon has revealed that he's looking forward to resting and relaxing over the Christmas and New Year period.

Asked what he planned to do in the coming days, McCartney said on his own website: "A well-deserved rest, exactly.

"It's Christmas, so it's family time for me.

"We've got the decorations up already actually. And I'm one of those guys that loves to overdo decorations, so I need a minute to sit back, relax and enjoy them. So, that's what I've got to look forward to."

Asked what he feels most thankful for at the end of 2024, McCartney - who has been married to his wife Nancy since 2011 - replied: "My family, as always; my kids and Nancy, who are all great people. I love them.

"With them and the grandkids, I've got a really enjoyable family to hang out with, particularly at Christmas with all the presents. They say, 'Thanks, Grandad, for the presents. I love them!' And that's just Nancy! Haha!"

McCartney remains hugely passionate about making music, describing it as his "hobby".

The iconic star previously insisted that he'd continue to write new music, even if he "finished playing professionally".

He told the Guardian newspaper: "It's my hobby. If I've got a day off I might write a song. Because I love it, that's all there is to it.

"If I finished playing professionally tomorrow, I'd still do it - it beats working."

McCartney shot to stardom as part of the Beatles in the 1960s, and he still has very fond memories of working alongside John Lennon, who died in December 1980, aged 40.

The duo formed a legendary writing partnership, and McCartney believes they complemented each other perfectly.

The 'Penny Lane' hitmaker reflected: "He was a genius ... I helped."