Christmas tips

I use old christmas cards to make gift tags to go on presents, I know the tags wont match the paper but as the paper is usually torn off in one mad frenzy I don't think it matters too much.

Like the idea of the duplicate which can be pre-packed but I have knitted individual stockings (with names on ) for each GC so would have to knit another for each one. Given that they were all made up as I went along I'd find it impossible to knit an identical one to match!!

Glassortwo, I could never leave off the gift tags, as I usually like to write some sort of cryptic comment that relates to the gift!

I always use a different wrapping paper for each DC/GC presents, so no need to write gift tags as each paper relates to one person.

More one for Mums, really.

On Christmas eve, have 2 matching pillowcases/Santa sacks/stockings (delete where not appopriate). Let children place an empty one at the end of their bed, place the filled one in a place of your choosing (in our case, a locked section of our wardrobe!).

Instead of doing the "big switch" when you go up to bed, and risking them waking up at 2am to find "he's been!" and subsequently being overtired before lunch, set your clock for around 5.30, 6am, do the swith, then enjoy a cup of tea and exchange of presents with dh before the children wake up. (You can also put the prepared turkey in at this time if it suits your eating plan)

This has been known to go wrong when ex-dh got fed up with waiting and went into the boys room and woke them up saying, "Father Christmas has been, look!"

Of course, this all depends on your own family traditions, I know in some cases Father Christmas leaves presents under the tree, rather than at the end of the bed!

Buy a selection of cheeses for Christmas 3/4 weeks beforehand. Ignore 'best before' dates, cheese just keeps on getting better!

Make stuffing up to a month ahead when you CAN buy parsley etc....just dont put the egg in it. Bung in freezer and get out Christmas Eve to defrost then add the egg and make up stuffing balls. I always cook them separate after Turkey has come out of oven, cos a big one needs a good 30 - 40 mins to 'relax'.

Buy in good quality frozen pastry - brill for last min mince pies, sausage rolls etc

I buy standard quality mincemeat and pep it up as and when I need it. Chopped apricots/glace cherries/nuts/more raisins/cranberries(fresh or dried) more booze etc etc. Even expensive mincemeat seems to have a lot of 'slush' and this way you can personalize for who is going to eat it.

I do a 'Hamper' for V busy married daughter by buying special groceries and especially 3 for 2 offers etc. I start early and really dont notice the little extra. She then gets a whole load of extra goodies. When I'm really past it, she will no doubt return the favour!

Order your Christmas grocery shop now from one of the major supermarkets. You can book a diary slot now but they will soon all be gone so get the time and date that suits you best. Just put a short list for now and add and subtratct thungs from it as we get nearer to Christmas and save yourself that drudge round the supermarket. Already done mine in M& S (collect in store at specified date and time) and Waitrose delivery to the door 23rd Dec so if something missign I have time to get it from the local Spar.