It's coming up to that time of year again; a time for rushing around the shops desperately
trying to find this year's must have toy, a time for spending a fortune on greetings cards for the whole street and a time for stressing over the Christmas dinner. The festive season is supposed to be an enjoyable experience! If you're starting to break out in a cold sweat at the mere mention of Christmas, take a few minutes to look through these top tips for surviving the festive season.
1) Don't leave your Christmas gift shopping until Christmas Eve! This is the first rule for anyone looking to have an enjoyable Christmas. What's enjoyable about running around like a headless chicken? Try to start your Christmas shopping even a few months earlier. You'll save a lot of money in mid-season sales and you'll feel the pressure drop knowing you don't have to wait in any queues on Christmas Eve (unless it's the queue at the bar)!
2) Remember that everyone is in the same panicked boat when it comes to a few days before Christmas. If you're worrying about trying to meet up with everyone to exchange cards and presents, why not suggest meeting everyone at the pub? It's a great way to introduce whole groups of people and will feel much more relaxing than dashing around to their houses individually.
3) Get the whole family involved in cooking the Christmas Dinner. They say too many cooks spoil the broth but when you're preparing the biggest meal of the year, you need all hands on deck. No one is expecting you to do it alone so delegate some of the work amongst family and friends. Just keep the mulled wine flowing!
4) Put your feet up and relax. Christmas Day is all about opening pressies, a mammoth meal and a cheeky afternoon nap. Just make sure you time it around Her Majesty!