Set a budget and make a list
Christmas costs can easily spin out of control, so a good place to start is to make a budget, splitting the total across different categories like decorations, food, gifts and outfits. Create a list of everyone you’re buying presents for, with ideas for each person, and start a spreadsheet to keep track of your spending.

Pick a theme
Traditional, luxe metallic or modern, whatever your decorating theme we have the decorations and the tree to suit. Once you’ve decided on your theme, check last year’s lights and decorations to see if you need any replacements or additions.

Agree a plan
Are you hosting, heading to family or eating out? If you’re hosting, confirm numbers, check dietary requirements, tally up how many meals you need to cater, plan menus and get your Christmas food order in. Need extra dining chairs, bedding, towels or tableware? Make sure you order in plenty of time.

Play your cards right
If you don’t already have a Christmas card list, make one and save it for future Christmases. Put aside an afternoon or a couple of evenings, cue up a Christmas playlist and get scribbling. This year’s last UK posting dates are 19 December for second class and 21 December for first class.

Wrap it up
Avoid the night-before panic by wrapping as you go or doing a batch at a time over several evenings. Decide on a gift-wrapping theme or consider mixing up your wrapping papers so that each person gets their own colour.

Fire up a Christmas film
From classics like It’s a Wonderful Life and Miracle On 34th Street to family faves like Home Alone and Elf and sort-of-Christmas films like Die Hard and Little Women, a festive movie will get you into the seasonal spirit. Add a couple of Christmas cushions to your sofa to maximise the festive feeling.