Lists, lists, lists... These are key to good planning in the countdown to Christmas.

Getting the organisation on track in advance and following it through in good time will enable you to be a smooth operator on Christmas Day, enjoying rather than enduring the preparations.

It should mean you can relax and partake in the festivities with minimum stress and concern because you have the whole shebang well under control, having done a lot of the work ahead of the big day.

Make lists of what is happening, what you need to do and when, and then follow them through.

Tick off completed tasks as you go. Feel free to have as many lists as you need.

Here are some basics you need to think about when advance planning:

• Determine who will be joining you on Christmas Day and for other occasions either side of it. You need to know how many people you will be entertaining so you can plan how much food you will need, what you will be cooking and what you will need to buy.
• Accept invitations of help and offers of food contributions. Make a note of who is doing and bringing what.
• Write a Christmas card list. Ensure you have sufficient cards and buy stamps.
• Start writing the cards in good time. If you have a lot, do it over a number of days, so many a day. Rope in family members to help, at least with addressing envelopes and sticking on stamps.
• Order your turkey, goose or whatever you will be eating on Christmas Day.
• Work out what else you need to buy.
• Shop! Start stocking up your larder and freezer in good time. Where possible, cook in advance and freeze dishes, ready for when they are needed. It is helpful to have some frozen meals in the freezer, ready to give yourself breathing time, or to serve should unexpected guests stop by.
• Make a present list. Buy them. If you are ordering online, allow sufficient time for delivery.
• Wrap presents in advance if you can, a few at a time if there are a lot and its easier. Again, rope in the family to help. It will ease the workload closer to Christmas.

December 23

This is an ideal day to do the last shopping for fresh ingredients like vegetables. Why do it on Christmas Eve when there is so much to think about? Pick up your turkey if it is a fresh one, or other main course for Christmas Day. Frozen birds need to be defrosted in a cool place (not the fridge) for at least 24 hours before cooking.

Christmas EvePrepare vegetables. You can roast potatoes and parsnips in advance, if you have time. Carrots can be kept in cold water overnight. Sprouts are best kept in a chill bag in the fridge.

Christmas Day foodTurkey/goose/chicken/duck/vegetarian option
Stuffing
Sausages, bacon
Fresh stock or stock cubes for gravy
Bread sauce, cranberry sauce, redcurrant jelly
Potatoes
Brussels sprouts, parsnips, carrots, peas, swede and onions
Chestnuts
Christmas pudding
Brandy butter
Alternative pudding
Mince pies
Christmas cake
Panettone, stollen

Boxing Day food

Ham, salami, pates, terrines

Mustards, chutneys, pickles

Cheeses

Biscuits for cheese

Baguettes, sliced bread, croissants

Salad ingredients

Tomatoes

Potatoes, rice, pasta

Pudding, fruit, ice cream

Christmas breakfasts

Bacon

Eggs

Mushrooms

Tomatoes

Sausages

Baked beans

Marmite, jam, marmalade, honey

Ketchup, mustard

Breakfast cereals, porridge oats

Yogurt

Christmas snacks

Crisps

Fruit

Nuts

Olives

Dates, figs

Biscuits

Cakes

Christmas luxuries

Smoked salmon

Caviar

Chocolates

Turkish delight

Marrons glaces

Christmas drinks

Champagne

Wine

Mulled wine ingredients

Spirits

Beers and lager

Sherry, dry and sweet

Brandy

Port

Liqueurs

Mixers

Soft drinks

Fruit juices

Mineral water

Ice

Christmas essentials

Kitchen foil and extra-wide turkey foil

Clingfilm

Baking parchment

Kitchen roll

Freezer bags

Bin liners

Matches

Paper napkins

Extra wrapping paper and gift cards

Sticky tape

Batteries

Toilet rolls

Carving knife and fork

Christmas musts

Extra-large roasting pan and serving dish for turkey

Sufficient plates, cutlery, glasses

Decorations

Crackers

Christmas tree, tree decorations, tree lights, spare bulbs

Christmas stockings

For emergencies

Ready-made meals in freezer for unexpected guests

List of local chemists, plumbers, electricians and doctors surgeries open during the holiday

First-aid kit

Hangover cures