Eoin Lyons gives a reminder of domestic tasks and lists some pros who might help.
The Yellow Pages has a growing list of cleaning services around the country. "Book Harry and Kathleen of Octopus Cleaning (086-8312957) to do a complete blitz before Christmas," says property consultant Liz O'Kane of RTE's House Hunters. "They're a husband and wife team, are a pleasure to have in your home and are used to working in period houses. They do all the things you won't get around to: cleaning windows inside and out, thoroughly cleaning your fridge and cooker, washing skirting and dado rails, polishing fireplaces ... almost anything really."
Order flowers early from your favourite local florist. For example, the Egg Depot (01-4756506) on Dublin's Wexford Street will deliver garlands to wrap around the staircase, arrangements for the chimneypiece incorporating candles (from €75) and wreaths with holly, ivy and roses from €50. Also ask for a bunch of Ilex (branches with red berries but no leaves) to put in vases. €9.50 for delivery anywhere in Dublin. In Cork, Caroline Kenefick of the Luca shoe store in Douglas suggests trying Margaret Murray (021-4292275), a florist who works from home. "You can ring, order and know that what she'll do will be incredible." Caroline also recommends Elegance Flowers (021-4293379) for quirky arrangements.
"Change bulbs to a lower wattage," says Jay Brophy of Cool Bawn Quay, Co Tipperary. "Low light is cosier and instantly changes atmosphere. Light plenty of candles, too. Everyone looks better in low light."
Roz Sparks (086-8137984) works with get-sorted.com and offers a de-cluttering service. A mother of three, organisation is her forte and she will tackle your attic, garage, under stairs, kitchen or whole house. An hour-long briefing is essential the day before military style de-cluttering begins. A skip arrives (organised by Roz) and she divides everything into piles to keep, dump, give to charity and recycle. The process takes a day, at the end of which Roz removes the skip and charity/recycling bundles.
Stock up on fuel. Fuel merchants that will deliver briquettes in the Dublin area include Paul Shields of Windy Arbour (086-6005077) and Noel Dent (01-2893741). For solid fuel only, Norton Fuel (01-4540666) on Francis Street. Order early.
"People go mad in supermarkets at Christmas so bulk-buy non-perishables so you only have to pick up essential foods later," says Laura Birmingham, model and TV3 presenter. "Better still, do this kind of household shopping over the Internet. Every year we go to OddBins early and buy champagne, wine etc, in one go."
Sharon Creagh Interiors in Rathgar (01-4970731) will take your presents and return them imaginatively wrapped and labelled. Sharon herself suggests now is the time to "protect your sofa and carpet against spillages at parties with Fiber Seal in Glenageary, Co Dublin (1800-789100). I've found them very efficient and professional. It's worth spending the money rather than worrying about people with glasses of red wine." Prices start at €225 for a new carpet or two-seater sofa.
Look at your decorations: decide what looks tatty and get rid of it. Think about what you need to jazz the tree up and make a list. And check that your tree lights work.
A simple way to create Christmassy colour scheme is to put a red throw across your sofa. Find them at Avoca (01-6774215) from €42. It has solid red mohair as well as checks and tartans.
Have your tree delivered. Garden Works in Malahide (01-8450110) and Clonee hand-pick their own non-shed trees and will deliver and fit the tree in its stand.
If you are entertaining over the coming weeks, make sure you have enough cutlery and glasses and stock up on inexpensive extras at Dunnes Stores.
ONE-STOP GUIDE
Trade Secrets Christmas from the BBC has loads of advice to see you through the festive season.
Remove candle wax from a carpet by laying a terry towel on the wax and ironing, inspecting your work as you go.
Remove burn marks by rubbing with a potato slice. Wool tips can be trimmed with nail scissors.
Don't leave presents visible through a window.
Away over Christmas? When you are in one evening, go outside and see what your house looks like. That is how it should look at night when you are away. If you are away over Christmas, the house should still look decorated. Keep heating on low while you are away. Water all plants the day before you leave.
Spray old books in gold or silver and wrap with ribbon. Use as a base to display flowers, ceramic angels, etc.
And from their don't-forget list: extra-wide foil for the turkey, dishwasher tablets; paracetamol tablets; kitchen (and loo) paper; light bulbs; matches; wrapping paper and sticky tape; camera and film; batteries for toys; extra presents for unexpected guests.
Trade Secrets Christmas (Orion, £5.99 in UK)