There are just five days to go until Christmas Day.
You may have already decorated your home, planned the festive feast, and had everything delivered ready for Sunday.
But there may be a few small tasks that may have been overlooked amid the excitement and planning.
From making sure you have all the pieces of your board games to holding a party for your neighbours, here are some suggestions for your to-do list from Ideal Home editor-in-chief Heather Young.
Sort through the games
Dig out the family’s favourite board games to make sure the festive season is all about spending time together, rather than everyone being glued to their phones and tablets. Treat Christmas as a digital detox, a time to reconnect with family and have fun.
If you find you might miss some of the TV specials you wanted to watch, most will be available on catch up, or you can set to record them about a week in advance.
Make some tasty treats
With the main jobs out of the way, why not spend an afternoon baking and decorating Christmas biscuits and gingerbread? It’s the perfect way to get the whole family in the seasonal spirit – delicious wafts of cinnamon, sugar and candied peel put us all in a festive mood.
Home-baked treats also make great gifts for neighbours and friends, especially if you’ve forgotten someone on your gift list and there’s no time to shop.
On Christmas Eve…
Set the table in advance. With the crockery and cutlery audit done, now’s the time for table decs but don’t spend a fortune – a linen cloth and jam jars of seasonal greenery set the scene.
Next, put your feet up! Relax with your nearest and dearest and remember what this season is all about. Make popcorn, snuggle down with mugs of hot chocolate, light the fire, binge-watch feel-good festive movies… and don’t forget to leave a treat for Santa. Happy Christmas!
Clean the house
It may not sound like the most fun task, but it’s time to give the house a good old clean. The fridge should also be cleared and scrubbed so you can get all the festive food arranged and ordered as it comes in.
It’s a good idea to sort through your wardrobe, too – you don’t want any last-minute outfit panics over the next week. Go for relaxed glam with a touch of sparkle, something that’s comfortable yet Christmassy for the big day, from beginning to end.
Last-minute food shop
Go food shopping for your final bits and pieces. Pick up your turkey, all the veg and take a list so you get all you need. Check out Christmas supermarket opening times – some are open extra early so you can shop in peace.
If you ordered a frozen turkey, you need around one day defrosting in the fridge for every 4lbs. A butcher will usually have you pick up a fresh bird with two or three days to go, so store in the fridge or a cool pantry.
Hold a party for the neighbours
It has been a tough few years, especially for those living on their own, so invite the neighbours for an early Christmas get-together. A simple drinks soirée with all the neighbours will help spread festive merriment – and it’s a great excuse to try out your favourite seasonal cocktails, catch up on news and check in with older members of the street who might find this time of the year particularly lonely.
MORE : How to cook and bake without eggs this Christmas if there’s a supply shortage
MORE : DIY guide: How to make your own Christmas gifts
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