Any busy mum will tell you that the best gift she can receive at this time of year is the happy smiles on the faces of her family on Christmas day. The odd bottle of a favourite scent, tickets to a sought-after show or even some sexy, silky lingerie might not go amiss either, but as everyone knows happiness cannot be bought and while all the razzamatazz and festivities continue over the party season it is important to remember that it is the giving, as well as the receiving, that really makes a difference to our own lives as well as others, particularly at this special time.

For the little ones helping make a Christmas box for one of the children's charities is a great way of getting them involved and understanding that there are those less fortunate than themselves. Use a shoe box and cover it with coloured crepe or Christmas wrapping paper and fill it with one main present and a few little extra goodies like stocking filler gifts. Remember that cats and dogs aren't just for Christmas but they also might need help too.

Ask your local rescue centre or pet charity if there's anyway you can help - could the children go in and help or perhaps your pet has a particularly lovely temperament and someone could benefit from a visit over the holiday period for a bit of company and a cuddly friend to stroke. Really make an effort with the presents you do buy. Think about the person the present is for and what you know about them. Are they keen gardeners, do they love doing crossword puzzles, are they going on their travels next year? While a box of chocolates or a bottle of bath oils is absolutely lovely to receive people really do notice if you've made an effort and bought something specifically for them.

And as well as helping people in need don't forget to remind those around you that it's your Christmas too and any extra help around the house or with the preparations will be gratefully received! Whether you use Fairy Active Burst for the dishwasher or Fairy Liquid if you're washing by hand, you'll still need some extra help to make sure that the inevitable piles of washing up that build up over the festive period are kept under control, and don't let the family forget that all those spuds and brussel sprouts can take forever to peel too!

So while diamonds may well be on your fantasy wish list, the sound of your children laughing and the soft whir of the dishwasher in the kitchen is probably all you need to feel truly grateful for everything you have received!