HERE comes Christmas! Unless you get yourself organised you'll be stuck with the unsatisfying, last minute rush all over again.

This never achieves anything other than panic. Avoid panic this year - here are a few tips to hep you on your way. 

DECEMBER: 

1st 

Have you got your advent calendar up yet? 

2nd 

This is a good weekend to get your lists drawn up. Start with the food. List every item of meat, grocery, fruit, vegetables, and booze you'll need. 

3rd 

The second list should be your card list. Those being sent abroad by air mail should be posted tomorrow, that way you can be sure your greetings will arrive well before Christmas. 

4th 

The gift list should come next. List all your targets and put all you know about them in the space beside. 

5th 

Plan the days on which you will be buying the gifts on the list you prepared yesterday. Buy the awkward items first and those that might be out of stock so a special order may be made. 

6th 

Plan your Christmas decorations. 

7th 

Time to start spending money. Mince pies will keep. The best ones are available now so buy sufficient and store them away in a tin, out of reach of the family. Could be a good day too, to discuss with your butcher what meat / poultry you intend to have on Christmas Day, and place an order. 

8th 

The Christmas pud will also keep. Go shopping for one today. If you want to make your own, buy the ingredients and get mixing. 

9th 

Brandy butter is quite delicious with Christmas pud. You can buy it but it's cheaper and tastier to make at home. 

10th 

Start putting up those decorations. If you plan to include fresh greenery like holly, ivy, mistletoe and a real tree, leave spaces. 

11th 

You should be buying the cards today if you haven't done so already Get them written and addressed this evening ready to post tomorrow. 

12th 

Card posting day. This is a good day also to make that final Christmas appointment at the hairdressers and/or beauty salon. 

13th 

Parcel posting day. 

14th 

You could start to do your grocery shopping today. 

15th 

This is the day to buy the booze. 

16th 

Today you should buy your cake unless you made one a while ago.Take unwashable suits, dresses, etc., that you'll need for the celebrations, to the cleaners. 

17th 

This is a good day to decorate your chocolate log.

18th 

Time to go shopping for greenery. 

19th 

Make a note of all the fresh foods you'll need to buy and plan on which days you will buy them. 

20th 

Check you have all the gifts on your list. If you have the time, pop round the shops for those last minute stocking fillers. 

21st 

If you have cool, dark storage, you can afford to get those fresh vegetables and fruit in now, before they get sold out. 

22nd 

Go shopping for those perishable groceries. Consult your lists. 

23rd 

Make doubly sure you have absolutely everything you need. Make sure you have petrol/diesel in your vehicle if you are travelling about over Christmas. 

Christmas Eve

This is preparation day. Start to sort out your food - meat, vegetables, fruit and groceries. Are there any last minute purchases you want from the supermarket. Remember today they will close early. 

Christmas Day 

Christmas has arrived! 

Have a great one.