Coming soon …

… and I'm sorry I can't put this off any longer if I'm to help in some small way to prevent you having a major meltdown then we have to talk about the Christmas holidays.

Lets bounce a few thoughts and ideas around and try and make your life as stress free as is possible.

First things first - do you have a freezer the size of a shed – if you do then please disregard what follows! You need to think carefully about how you're going to stock it which begs the question how full is it now?

I'm sure you know what's coming next – now is the time to clear out your freezer. It's no good going out and snapping up all manner of goodies and then have to climb on top of it all, ramming it in the freezer to make it fit!

Own up to all the stuff that has dropped to the bottom – the bargain that you couldn't live without and seemed like such a good idea at the time and has now gone to that freezer burn waste heap. Rest assured I'm not casting aspersions – I dread to think what's at the bottom of mine.

I cannot tell you how virtuous you'll feel once you've done the job, not to mention stress free to the point of horizontal when re-filling it.

You need to clear the space ready for the bombardment of adverts for party food and offers that you cannot afford to miss. We are drawn in to spending an absolute fortune because it looks fabulous. Similarly every supermarket already has a food catalogue so you can sit in the comfort of your own home and order all your festive food.

Party pooper I am not and I'm not suggesting you spend the week before and the entire holiday tied to the kitchen completely frazzled. I'm just suggesting that you give it some thought.

I make no apology for repeating myself. Every family has their own traditions and favourites and it matters not, in my experience how old the kids are – 5 to 25, there are certain dishes and treats that are important, nostalgic and stand the test of time so hold hard before you rush out and spend a fortune on fancy dancin' stuff because you think they'll be bored.

Revolutionary I know but you could ask your family what they most look forward to eating.