IF I had a chocolate coin for every time someone has asked jovially “Are you ready for Christmas?” I could invent a festive slot machine. 

It’s Christmas Eve now, so the answer should really be: “Of course I am” – but then I would be lying.

There are people who begin their Christmas shopping before the 12 days are even up, stocking up in the sales on cut-price wrap, cards and presents for next year. Then there are those who’ve left it a later, but still have their gifts bought and beautifully wrapped before Bonfire night.

Of course Christmas is more than just a day – for most of us, it’s an entire holiday, where we face an onslaught of challenges to makes a stint in the I’m A Celebrity jungle look like a week at a luxury spa.

You need a special set of skills to juggle to roles of cook, entertainer and peacekeeper – and then some clever accountancy to cope with the aftermath.

A box of tricks comes in handy too.

With this in mind, here’s my A to Z of the absolute essentials to get you through the coming couple of weeks with your sanity intact…
 

A is for… Advocaat. Well when else can you drink Eggnog? Mix yourself a Snowball by adding lemonade.

B is for… Breaking Bad. Believe the hype. This US TV show about a chemistry teacher facing cancer who starts cooking up and selling crystal meth is totally addictive. Invest in the box set which will give you an alternative to watching loads of trashy Christmas TV.

C is for … Candles. Deck the halls with boughs of holly, but line your festive table and mantelpiece with candles to create a magical mood.

D is for… Delia, of course. Where would we be without her failsafe recipes at this time of year?

E is for … Eggnog (see entry for A)

F is for… Family. What the festive season is really about.

G is for… Gifts. What the festive season is really about.

H is for… Hand cream. You can never receive enough of this. A current favourite is the Moisturising Hand Cream from local firm, Wolds Way Lavender.

I is for … Ice. Keep the freezer well stocked to ensure your G&Ts are always at the right temperature.

J is for… Jumper. If you draw the line at silly sweaters you can still enter the Christmas spirit with a seasonal knit that’s more nice than naff: Fair Isle print sweater, £30, from Next

K is for… Kissing. Santa Claus. Underneath the mistletoe at night. Need I say more?

L is for… Lights. Christmas lights come in many guises, and we love the range at M&S that features Santas and felt stockings (from £10)

M is for… Music. Christmas CDs get a few spins at this time of year. Who can tire of God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, White Christmas and Rockin’ Around The Christmas Tree?

N is for… No. Just say this to the following question: “Do you want another…” whenever a mince pie, pack of Pringles or box of Thorntons is shoved under your nose. It’s a darn sight easier than going on a diet in January.

O is for… Oranges. Of the Terry’s Chocolate variety (you can say “yes” to these!)

P is for… Pemberley. BBC’s lavish drama for the holiday season, Death Comes To Pemberley, was filmed in York and at Castle Howard and is a murderous sequel to Jane Austen’s Pride And Prejudice. Leading the stellar cast are Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin. Starts on BBC1, Boxing Day at 8.15pm.

Q is for… The Queen’s Speech. An opportunity to put another load in the dishwasher.

R is for… Rudolph. Keep your nose shining bright, with some fun novelty specs like these from Accessorize (£6).

S is for… Sales. If you haven’t done enough shopping, then you can begin all over again.

T is for… Tartan. Celebrate the New Year in true Scottish style: first foot a neighbour with a piece of coal in your pocket. Wearing a kilt is optional.

U is for… Unlucky. OK, so the dog got more presents than you, and the perfume your sister got from Aunty Grace is nicer than the thermal socks she bought you. Christmas presents are a game of chance; some you win, some you lose. Keep things in perspective.

V is for… Victory. Yes, it’s nice to win at Cluedo, but try to rein in the competitiveness: why not let the kids win for once?

W is for… Winter. Cold and crisp days make this our favourite season – and the perfect excuse to wrap up in those warm woollies from Santa.

X is for… eXercise. Yes, we know that’s cheating, but on a serious note, try to stay active over the holidays – not only is it a great way to beat stress, but it will stop the pounds from piling on.

Y is for… Yes. The only answer to give when asked: “Do you want to come to this party…?” Otherwise, what’s the point that little black dress?

Z is for…Zzzzzz. What we’ll all be doing after a plate of turkey, chipolatas and sprouts (not to mention the mince pies, Christmas pud, Christmas cake and Champagne).

Merry Christmas!