Can't afford a concierge? Then be as well-organised as one. Tara Dalrympleof Busy Lizzie has these tips:

1 Don't try to do it all. Pick and choose Christmas activities and decide as a family what events you will attend.

2 Schedule time for shopping days, decorating, baking, and more. This will help the entire family stay up to date on what others in the family have planned - and you'll accomplish things too.

3 Make a Christmas to-do list to ensure that everything during the Christmas season is covered, from having a Christmas card for each important person in your life, to remembering to ship presents to faraway family and friends in time for Christmas delivery.

4 Make a list of chores together, so that each person in the household can choose how they want to contribute to the seasonal preparations.

5 Look after yourself. In your daily planner, write down specific activities that will keep you sane throughout the Christmas season, such as time at the gym or a quiet coffee with a friend.

6 Clutter slows you down, so keep your home and office as clutter-free as possible.

7 Organise all necessary items for Christmas Day on Christmas Eve, including the baked dish you plan to bring to a family gathering.

8 Shop early to avoid the last-minute rush. Online and catalogue shopping are efficient.

9 Save time and money by shopping with a list.

10 Christmas is about spending time with loved ones in a relaxed and leisurely way, so don't forget to schedule time for just sitting around the tree.