How to avoid the stress...

I am a natural born planner. I have a list for every occation. To my joy I even saw it had rubbed off on my son. He came and showed me a list of all the housework he had done, and before each item, he had put a box which he had checked. Sooo cute! If you are like me, and cannot live without a to do list, here is my best tip for an app that you can use on your phone AND your desktop: Wunderlist.

So here is how I prepare for a stress-free holiday:

• Write down a list of who you will send letters or cards to, including their addresses.

• Ask your family and friends to send you their Christmas lists.

• Decide what kind of advent calendar you will have - will it be a home made or ready made?

• Make a list of what needs to be done in the house before Christmas. Does the windows need to be cleaned?

• Take pictures for your Christmas cards

• Write down what you will do this Christmas. Any traditions you want to start or keep?

• Make a budget for all activities, clothes, gifts, food and so on.

• Write a gift list. Make a budget for each person, and write down each gift you buy for everybody and how much you have spent. Also make your wishlist that you can send to whoever ask for one in return.

• Clean out the freezer. Make a list of what you have, and start using it.

• Make your advent calendar(s)

• Order your christmas cards

• Buy gift wrapping paper and ribbon, lables, candles and decorations. If you start early you can order everything online.

• Write down the outfits the family is going to wear during the holiday, and buy clothes and shoes if necessary.

• Clean table cloths, napkins and curtains (?)

• Order hair dressers appointments early. They will get booked up early.

• Write down what meals you will have and write a grocery shopping list. You can start buying the non perishables early. Remember to include whatever you need for the Christmas stocking too.

• Wrap your presents when you buy them. Don't wait until the last minute. Then it will only stress you out, and they wont look nice either. Do only a few at a time.

• Send Christmas cards and gifts.

• Clean the house

• Decorate outside the house. A good first impression is important.

• Decorate the rest of the house.

• Bake cakes and cookies, or buy it. Only do what gives you joy - and leave the rest.

• Iron table cloth, napkins and clothes.

• Do a last tidy of the house

• Set the table the day before Christmas. There will be enough to do on the day.

• Hang your Christmas stocking