compete with Julia Childs on the cooking. Are these the ideal approaches? Test your knowledge with this super seasonal quiz -- and discover how to get the best out of Christmas...

(1) The decorations look amateurish and haphazard. Should you: a add more evergreens and hope for the best.

b remove them and start afresh.

c work in colourful festive themes like the manger, Santa Claus and the Nutcracker Suite? (2) Just the thought of all that last-minute shopping leaves you frazzled. Do you: a order Christmas gift baskets.

b grit your teeth and join the herd.

c plan well ahead, spreading the task over several weeks? (3) Catering for unknown numbers over the coming five-day holiday is a big, tiring task. Will you: a buy large quantities of everything.

b estimate numbers and appetites and batch-cook a freezerful of hors d'oeuvres , special dishes and desserts in advance.

c provide one main meal daily, telling everyone "Help yourself'' at other times? (4) Oops! A party guest spills mulled red wine over your best carpet. Which remedy is most effective? a a squirt of soda.

b A covering of salt, to be vacuumed up when dry.

c Sponging the spill with soapy water? (5) The best fresh turkeys have...

a a rigid breastbone.

b a pale, white breast with a faint bluish tinge.

c light-coloured drumsticks? (6) Your seven-year-old is voicing disbelief about Santa. Do you: a gloss over his/her doubts.

b get very adult and rational.

c work to sustain the story? (7) You're totally stuck as to a present for grandma. Which should it be: a a calendar b cosy slippers c a track suit? (8) Your partner wants Christmas dinner at lunchtime, you'd like it in the evening. Should you: a give in gracefully.

b go for a compromise.

c insist on your preference? (9) For safe and tasty eating, the average 10 lb. turkey needs to be cooked at 350 degrees F for about: a 3.25 hrs.

b 3.75 hrs.

c 4.5 hrs? (10) Everyone's arguing about the "best'' table plan for the Christmas meal.

Should you: a tell them to suit themselves.

b put grown-ups at one end, kids at the other.

c mix it up with a male/female seating arrangement? (11) Just as you're serving up the bird, your daughter's new boyfriend announces he's vegetarian. Do you: a throw a very understandable tantrum.

b suggest he makes do with the Brussels sprouts.

c microwave the vegetarian meal pre-prepared for such situations? (12) They're rebelling at the prospect of Christmas pudding. Do you: a tell them to like it or lump it.

b provide a light alternative, such as syllabub or chocolate brandy mousse.

c offer cheese and biscuits? (13) A guest tries to help you, but drops your best china plates and breaks several. You're ready to...

a let fly with some home truths.

b tell them: "Don't worry, I have more''.

c drop one yourself to make them feel better? (14) The children are squabbling about helping to clear up and do the dishes.

Do you: a say crossly "Oh, leave it to me!'' b ask your partner to intervene.

c organise a rota in advance? (15) He's like a bear with a sore head. The ideal cure for his hangover is: a aspirin and milk.

b hair of the dog.

c Paracetamol, pure fruit juice and honey.

(16) Is Christmas tipping: a an outmoded, patronising custom.

b a nice way to thank the postman and garbage collectors? c something to be done with discretion, depending on your mood? (17) The water pump breaks down. Do you: a try to mend it yourself.

b move into a hotel.

c ask the plumber to call soon? (18) It's Boxing Day and your youngsters are bored. Should you: a jam them in front of the television.

b tell them to write their "thank-you'' letters.

c take them to a movie.

(19) The family refuses to eat another turkey burger/turkey sausage/turkey sandwich. Do you: a say "That's all there is''.

b suggest a meal out.

c offer prizes for the most imaginative ideas on jazzing-up leftovers? (20) The festivities empty your bank account. Will you: a seek a personal loan for January.

b Get an overdraft.

c borrow from friends? ARE YOU A CHRISTMAS CRACKER? Consider yourself tops if you scored the maximum five points on each of the following ideal answers: 1c, 2c, 3b, 4c, 5b, 6c, 7c, 8b, 9a, 10c, 11c, 12b, 13b, 14c, 15c, 16b, 17c, 18c, 19b, 20a.

70-90 points: You, too, have thought of pretty well everything, from the time needed to thaw a 10-lb. frozen turkey (20 hrs) to emergency numbers and how to keep both young and old happy. Congratulations! 50-70 points: Time to brush up on the caring, sharing essentials -- planning ahead, being prepared, staying flexible, relaxed, and keen to ensure everyone has a good time, including yourself.

Under 50 points: Don't worry, you'll muddle through somehow -- give or take a crisis or two!