Buying perfect presents, cooking a top turkey and keeping the whole family happy – it's not surprising that Christmas is one of the most stressful times of the year.
There are only three weeks to go til 25 December and for many of us, the stress of the festive season has already started to creep in.
Before you start drowning in a pile of presents, wrapping paper and sprout peelings, have a quick peek at our handy guide to stave off the December madness.
Here are 10 quick things you can do NOW to make your Christmas calmer:
1. Quickie cards
Christmas cards have been in the shops for weeks. Buy yours now and you should get a three for the price of two deal. Start writing them too - even if you do two or three per night, it'll save you loads of time and stress in December. And do you really have to write an essay to the people you see all the time? Loads of people just put 'Dear Chrissie' at the top and 'Love from Bob and Sue' at the bottom.
2. Plan your presents
Write a list of everyone you need to buy for, any ideas you have for them and your budget. This will help organise your mind and if you know what you're looking for, you can start looking out for deals now. Keep the list in your bag and tick things off as you go. Start noting down now what your kids are keen on and pop it onto your list everytime they say 'I want that!' at the TV.
3. Keep your eyes peeled for food deals
Savvy shoppers will know that many festive foods are cheaper the earlier you buy them. Keep an eye out for cheap deals on giant tins of sweets, snacks and sparkling wine. If you panic buy on Christmas Eve, there won't be an offer in sight.
4. Do a deal
Toy shops will be doing deals already to encourage parents to spend, spend, spend. If you've got your present list done (see point 2), you can take advantage of 'three for the price of two' toy offers as soon as they crop up. Yes you have to be a bit organised but it'll save you loads of cash. Sign up for newsletters from all the toy shops, department stores and supermarkets so you'll get first dibs at the bargains.
5. Sort out your baubles
Don't waste time the week before Christmas untangling fairy lights and sorting through broken baubles. Get up into the loft and do an inventory now, throw out the rubbish bits and make a list of what you need to buy.
6. Get baking
It takes time to make a good Christmas cake or pudding, so don't leave it til late December when the rush sets in. They generally taste better the longer they're left anyway. Some recipes say you can freeze them up to a year ahead. (Or, if you really want to reduce the stress of course, just buy one.)
7. Make a boredom-busting activity box
Have a handy box of festive activities to keep the kids quiet (that's yours and other people's visiting cherubs). Pick up some cheap Christmas colouring books, activity books, stickers and craft sets from supermarkets and cheap book shops to amuse the children while you get on with making Christmas happen. One of those paper table cloths that are covered in pictures to colour in are great for keeping them busy.
8. De-junk your fridge freezer
In the run-up to Christmas your fridge and freezer will be stretched to capacity. So make your life easier by clearing them out now. If you get rid of the ancient fish fingers and dregs of frozen peas, there'll be more room for that juicy turkey and all the trimmings.
9. Start a schedule
Print out a schedule of everything that needs doing and when you want to do it by. Stick in onto your fridge and keep referring back to it. Most people can't remember everything in their head. Write it down and get it done.
10. Prepare for emergencies
We've all been there. A friend or relative turns up at the door with a gift and you've got them… a big, fat nothing. Banish this horror by buying a few simple gifts (think photo frames, nice chocolates, booze, a children's book), wrap them and stick on a blank label. Then you can run upstairs and scribble a message on when those dreaded gift-bearers turn up on your doorstep. Also keep a supply of batteries and a list of numbers you might need over the holidays, such as emergency doctors, dentists and chemists. Make sure you know the opening hours of your local supermarkets too so you're not driving around frantically on Christmas Eve wondering how you can get pigs in blankets at midnight.
