Christmas countdown

Christmas is a-coming in... Take the stress out of your preparations with this essential planning checklist...

Two months beforehand

• If you're planning to travel home for Christmas, book train or plane tickets now or make sure that your car is up to motorway driving and plan your route.
• Book tickets to see a Christmas panto or show.

One to two months beforehand

• Buy all of your presents for friends, family and colleagues -- there's a whole host of great gifts to be found online at confetti and you won't have even have to fight the crowds!
• You can buy favours and decorations for your Christmas table on confetti. We’re always coming up with new ideas so you can really impress your Yuletide guests.

Three weeks beforehand

• Send out your Christmas cards and presents.
• Buy, decorate and put up your Christmas tree.
• Decorate your house.
• Plan your food and drink shopping list - by this time you should know how many guests you are expecting for Christmas lunch or any other celebrations you're holding so you can plan accordingly.
• Clear out your fridge and cupboards so that you can begin to buy and store your Christmas goodies - start now by buying your non perishable goods.

Two weeks beforehand

• Check that you have enough cutlery and crockery -- if you don't, or even if you just want to enhance your existing collection, now’s the time to hire some in.
• Buy Christmas party outfits if you haven't done so already!
• Write out emergency contact numbers that you might need during the Christmas period such as chemist, doctor, electricity and gas suppliers, emergency plumber and neighbours.

One week beforehand

• Buy last minute drinks and perishable foods.
• If you're having a large Christmas party, use our party checklist to help you plan and organise with ease.
• Write out a time plan for Christmas lunch so that you won't be in a panic on the day.
• Buy blank videos to record Christmas TV shows and films.
• Make sure your camcorder and camera are in working order and filled with batteries and film or tape.

The day beforehand

• Check that you've got everything -- now's the time for that last minute shopping trip if you've forgotten anything.
• Enjoy a drink on Christmas Eve to celebrate the beginning of the most festive season of all!

On the day

• Relax and stay calm if you're cooking dinner and make sure that your family and friends help out -- and enjoy yourself!