Christmas is my favourite time of year.  It is possible to survive this time of year with your sanity and your bank balance in good order - it just needs some planning and discipline.

PRESENTS

I have 27 neices and nephews and 8 grandneices. Seven years ago,

For work collegues and neighbours - really a card should suffice. If you feel that a gift is necessary - make gingerbread or other baked goods, this is really appreciated!  I have been known to cheat and buy a box of shortbread and a gift box from Big W - a cheerful red paper napkin and Christmas bows work wonders. If your workplace doesnt already have it - suggest a Secret Santa with a $10 maximum.

Teachers - I buy a box of glass baubles and a gold paint pen. I write the teachers name on the bauble with a few stars and on the back of the bauble I write my childs name and the year. Always works well.

Santa Stockings (Pillowcases) - Santa is very practical at my house.  He seems to know that by the end of the year my teenage sons underwear is pretty dreadful. Socks and Jocks are a stocking staple. Santa also knows the outfits my sons have been longing for and provides a co-ordinated set, usually with matching baseball cap and belt. Santa is also a big reader and provides the boys with at least two or three books they have been wanting.  The guy in the red suit also knows that boys want cool stuff for school, so he provides the boys with all the types of stationery that Mum is too cheap to buy them - Gel Ink pens etc. Santa also knows that boys love hideous music - and provides CD's guaranteed to set Mums' teeth on edge.

Gifts for Kids

- If your child is younger - keep it simple, they really are not going to care what they get, as long as they get to rip some paper.  

- Older children should be asked to write a gift list (I usually do this in Mid November) - make sure they understand that they will not be getting everything on their list, but Santa and Mum and Dad will know what they would like.

- Dont get caught in the "spend the same amount on each child" trap. One year all my youngest wanted was a Bunny, whereas my eldest desperately wanted a new computer game. We spent $20 on a rabbit and $80 on the computer game and both children were absolutely ecstatic. 

- If your child is pushing for a gift that is outside your price range. Sit them down and explain that although Mum and Dad love them dearly, you just cannot afford that gift. Children are surprisingly understanding when provided with facts.

FOOD

Castle Hampers are fabulous - small amount out of your pay packet each week and an amazing amount of food delivered early December YUMM.

If you havent hampered yourself this year it is still possible to afford the food.  I put an extra $20 onto the food budget each week and buy soft drink, lollies, chips and frozen chickens when I see good bargain prices. I also pre-order and pre-pay for the ham.

FAMILY - EEEEK

This is where most well laid plans fall into a screaming heap.

Do not leave it till Christmas morning to decide what you are going to do.  My family and my husbands family cannot stand each other, and my Sister and my husband will not be in the same room together. I have arranged to go to my parents for lunch (when my sister is not there), then to my sister-in-law for the evening with the rest of my husbands family. Christmas morning is reserved for my husband, my children and myself - no one else is welcome.

If you have family issues, sort them out now. If you know that Uncle Billy will be rip roaring drunk and abusive by 6pm, arrange to see him in the morning. If you know that you sister cannot stand your partner, pop over on Christmas eve alone, with a gift and a "Merry Christmas".

If all else fails we did this one year - arrange to host Christmas yourself, and invite people with a time frame. Mum and Dad from 11 - 2pm. His family from 4 - 6 pm. People who made us feel comfortable 8pm till whenever. It worked well. Just ensure everyone brings their own drinks and a plate.

ONE LAST POINT

Sit the family down first thing on Christmas morning and have a good breakfast. It is a rule with us - Breakfast before pressies.  The kids are going to be eating junk all day and the sugar rush is slightly lessened by a full stomach. It also works wonders for the adults and the copious amounts of Christmas cheer we imbibe.

STAY SANE