Getting the most from Christmas is often a matter of doing the right preparation.

If you’re rushing around at the last minute, then the chances are good that you’ll end up feeling stressed about it. So, how can we avoid this? Let’s run through a few essential tips for a stress free Christmas.

Plan ahead for your festive feast

The most important part of Christmas Day is the dinner itself. But if you’re hosting, the dinner can also be the biggest source of stress. You can limit the stress by preparing your trimmings the day before. Honey-roasted parsnips, potatoes and vegetables can be done in advance. If you’re chopping carrots on Christmas morning, then you’ll lack the time and attention to devote to other tasks.

Then there’s the turkey itself. To save time, you can always pre-order meat for Christmas. The quality you enjoy might be much higher as a result!

Streamline your Christmas gift shopping

The earlier you have your gifts bought and ready, the easier things will be. Do your shopping online in order to avoid the rush (and disappointment) that comes from wandering around a crowded shopping centre. Often, getting a few ideas down in advance can reduce the stress of having to think of something at the last minute.

Read more: The ultimate Christmas market guide

Simplify your Christmas decorations

Christmas decorations are essential if you want to set the right vibe around the house, and get everyone into the spirit of the occasion. However, if you feel under pressure to get the décor exactly right, you can end up feeling stressed about it. It’s therefore a good idea to look for minimalist ideas that don’t require much effort.

Concentrate your efforts in the places where they’ll be noticed. The tree, dining table, and entranceway might all make a big difference. The lighting you choose is pivotal.

In certain cases, you might judge that it’s worth spending some extra time and effort on securing a natural element or two, like the tree itself, or the wreath on your front door. However, be aware that these elements will often require extra care and attention.

An artificial Christmas tree might not have quite the same appeal and fragrance as the real thing, but you can easily stow it away in a box after Christmas is over and done with.

If you want to make your decorations yourself, then you’ll need to set aside the time necessary to get the job done well. This might mean reserving a given weekday evening for a crafts session with the family.