Here’s a wild idea for the holiday season, something totally out of the ordinary, something you probably haven’t tried for years, maybe decades — have fun and relax.

Bogged down with the hassles of entertaining, the stress of gift-buying, and the exasperation of crowds, you may have a hard time imagining a way to escape.

But a variety of exclusive downtown Boston hotels offer packages in December that are designed to help you relax and get back in touch with what this blessed holiday season is all about — eating and shopping.

Catch a downtown holiday show, enjoy some the best dining establishments that Boston has to offer, and, if it feels right, take advantage of the gold-star shopping you can find downtown.

These packages should make arrangements easier for you. And we’ve highlighted a few of our favorites. See, the holiday season is already getting easier.

Taj Boston
15 Arlington St.
Boston
617-536-5700

The Taj Hotel chain took over that beloved Boston institution the Ritz-Carlton at 15 Arlington St. earlier this year. So this is the Taj’s first holiday season in Boston, and they want to make it memorable.

Taj Boston’s “First Holiday Season Package” offers accommodations for two in a deluxe room, and dinner for two in The Cafe or the Grand Ballroom Christmas Buffet. You also get complimentary butler service, champagne and strawberries, and a continental breakfast for two in The Cafe. The prices start at $795, but you can upgrade to an Executive Suite with a wood-burning fireplace and fireplace butler service, starting at $1,095.

The Taj is also happy to hook you up with some entertainment. The “Irving Berlin’s White Christmas Package” includes accommodations for two in a deluxe room, dinner for two in The Cafe, and two tickets to see “White Christmas” at the Citi Performing Arts Center (the Wang Theatre). You also get complimentary valet service. The package starts at $995.

InterContinental Boston
510 Atlantic Ave.
866-493-6495

If you want to kill two birds with one stone — relax for the holidays and shop for the holidays — you may want to check out this package from the InterContinental Boston.

Accommodations for two in a deluxe room overlooking the Boston Harbor, breakfast for two in the Miel “Brasserie Provencal,” and a day of shopping, with car service, to some of the great shops and boutiques that dot the downtown.

In addition, shoppers can take 20 per cent off their purchases at the following stores; Twilight (dress shop specialists), in-jean-ius (a denim boutique in the North End), Posh (hot home furnishings), Aunt Sadie’s (handmade scented candles and home goods) and Flat of the Hill (jewelry, trinkets, designer bags and more).

The InterContinental’s concierge will help you book a great lunch or dinner in one of the fabulous shopping neighborhoods. And after the day of shopping, you’ll love the two 50-minute spa treatments at Spa InterContinental, including a paraffin hand treatment and a crystallized foot soak. The packages start $750, and they’re available now through March 31.

The Fairmont Copley
Copley Plaza
800-441-1414

The Fairmont Copley gets dressed up for the holidays — Christmas trees line the lobby, poinsettias dot the hotels, and holiday lights brighten the Oak Room.

The hotel also offers a couple holiday packages. The “12 Days of Christmas” package includes accommodations in an elegant guestroom and a copy of the Boston Pops’ holiday CD, “Sleigh Ride.” The rates start at $199, or you can upgrade to Fairmont Gold, the hotel’s exclusive club level, for an additional $100 a night.

The Fairmont’s “Shopper’s Delight Package” includes a night in a newly renovated guest room, a $50 American Express Gift Card and shopping maps. And those who want protection from the shopping madness may find relief at the hotel’s own upscale shops — the Fairmont Store, DePrisco Diamond Jewelers and Denise Hajjar – Boston. The package starts at $279.

Boston Harbor Hotel
70 Rowes Wharf
617-439-7000

The Boston Harbor Hotel is thrilled with its recent renovation. All 230 guest rooms have been re-done. They’re elegant but comfortable, and chockfull of the latest gadgets: flat panel TVs, Bose Wave sound systems, digital safes that can accommodate your laptop, and, of course, wireless Internet access.

The Spa at Rowes Wharf is a great way to relax during the stressful holiday season. And the acclaimed Meritage restaurant offers a Christmas dinner on Dec. 25. It’s a five-course pre-fixed menu with a choice of three items on each course. The cost is $115 per person ($50 for children under 10).

The hotel is also offering a “New Year’s Eve Romantic Package,” Monday, Dec. 31. Luxury accommodations for two, a four-course dinner at Meritage on Dec. 31, two “First Night” buttons, New Year’s Day breakfast buffet for two, use of the spa and valet parking. Also, checkout is extended to 4 p.m., which may come in handy after your night on the town.