MN SURVIVING CHRISTMAS GUIDE

Always have a couple of tins of biscuits/sweets or bottles of wine on standby in case you get any unexpected guests who arrive laden with gifts!!

Go to a family service on Christmas Day - the look of joy and happiness on all the kids' faces (although probably as result of what Santa has brought them rather then the birth of Jeses ) is fantastic.

If you have a large extended family, unless you a) have loads of time to think about and buy presents and b) lots of money, why not suggest that you only buy for the young children / do a present per family / do nothing.

Post Christmas - when you are taking your cards down, make a note of everyone who sent you one, then that becomes next year's card list (< now where did I put that list )

If there's only going to be a few of you on Christmas Day, think about buying the cake and the pudding rather than making them........

Do a timetable for everything that needs to be done on the day. Remember to allow time for oven to hear up, and turkey to stand.

Drink vast quantities of wine and champagne.

vodka

Start practising The Smile. Y'know, the one you'll use when thanking dMIL for that oh-so-very considerate present. The one that doesn't show the gritted teeth.

top tip: Don't start thinking about Christmas on October 3rd....