nothing short of overwhelming. In addition to regular household chores, there are greeting cards to write and send, presents to make or buy, a tree to decorate, food to prepare, and the list goes on.

With careful planning however, there's much that can be one to take away the holiday stress.

Buy your Christmas cards early while there is still a large selection, or make your own using a computer design, a family photo, or even your own artwork.

Place toys and other gifts on lay-away now. Stores often run out of stock during Christmas, especially with some of the more popular items for kids. If ordering from catalogues, it's best to do it as soon as possible to make sure the gifts arrive in time for December 25.

If organising a cocktail or dinner party to be held during the holiday season, start planning and get the invitations in the mail in a hurry if you want to be sure that your all your guests can attend. Diaries fill up quickly over the holiday period.

Remember to set aside time for your children, siblings, and lonely relatives.

Take them `Late Night Shopping', drive around and look at homes with beautiful Christmas light displays, attend a holiday concert. Read Christmas classics to children and include them in holiday preparations such as craft making, cookie baking and decorating the tree.

If having a cocktail party, don't overlook guests who don't drink. Keep and serve hot, spiced cider or chilled cider, cranberry juice with sparkling water or flavoured sparkling waters.

Stock up on film and batteries to preserve memories and, if kids are in the house, for any battery-operated toys they might receive from Santa.

Schedule time for yourself before the season drives you insane! Book a pedicure or a day of beauty at any of the Island's spas, meet a friend for coffee, take a morning or afternoon off from work and shop without the hassle of crowds.

Keep some cocktail snacks on hand in case friends unexpectedly drop by, especially on Boxing Day -- a selection of cheeses and pates, olives, Christmas nuts and chocolates, dip mix with fresh veggies.

Work out a holiday budget and stick to it. Do not pile up bills on the credit card. They must be re-paid with interest. Keep lists of gift ideas, gifts purchased and cards and gifts received.

If buying gifts for teachers, co-workers, baby sitters, maids or garbage collectors easy ideas are chocolates, candles, gift certificates for books or records, or a good bottle of wine or champagne. Remember to tip your barber, hair stylist, housekeeper, etc.

Remember Christmas is for giving. Donate your time, talent or cash, to charities and encourage your children to do the same. Buy presents for children at the Sunshine League or participate in the Santa's Anonymous gift programme. Choose a project as a family or let each child donate a portion of their allowance or savings to a cause of their choice.

If crowds are not your thing, avoid stores. Buy memberships to the Bermuda Aquarium, Museum & Zoo, the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, or the National Trust. Buy a magazine or newspaper subscription. Purchase tickets to the pantomime or give tickets to the upcoming Bermuda Festival or even cooking, language or painting courses at the Bermuda College.

Prepare as much of the Christmas dinner as you can, ahead of time. Or even better, have it catered. Do the same for hors d'oeuvres if having a cocktail party. It makes the occasion all the more enjoyable.

To save time and frustration if you find wrapping impossible or purchasing paper too expensive, use newspaper or brightly coloured shopping bags filled with a few sheets of tissue. Have an Easter egg hunt, only with Christmas gifts instead.

Assemble toys before Christmas Day to ensure that all the necessary pieces have been included and that they are ready for immediate play at 6 a.m. on Christmas morning.