It’s supposed to be the season of joy and goodwill, yet for many of us Christmas can be incredibly stressful. Whatever our age we all have such high expectations of the big day that it’s almost impossible for something not to go wrong and when the lights on the Christmas tree suddenly blow or Cousin Mary falls asleep before the crackers have even been pulled it can turn a festive occasion into a family fallout. The sheer stress of the build up and preparations for just one day can increase our vulnerability to anger and conflict. With so many potential pitfalls follow our top tips to make sure this year is indeed a very merry Christmas!

1 – Don’t succumb to any pressure to be competitive over Christmas. Do it your own way. You don’t have to dress the tree to look like it’s straight out of a designer magazine, and if the sausages are slightly burnt will anyone really mind?

2 – Try not to let family arguments get out of control. Walk away from bickering and rows over small things but be aware that at this time of year any longer-term issues can surface and may need to be dealt with – but not just as you’re about to carve the turkey! Leave big family disputes until after the holidays.

3 – Most of us enjoy a tipple at this time of year but to avoid suffering from a hangover try and drink a glass of water for every glass of alcohol you drink.

4 – Families come in all sorts of shapes and sizes these days. Make sure you make that extra effort if you are having the step-children on Christmas day, particularly if it’s the first one as a new family.

5 – Keep to traditions. You may feel the urge to do something completely different this year, but if your Christmases over the years have worked, stick with it – you must be doing something right!

6 – Don’t be disappointed yet again! If your partner’s present giving intentions are always good but they never quite deliver. Drop copious hints about what you really want – even leaving out magazines with big crosses by that must-have jumper or gorgeous necklace.

7 - Keep riotous behaviour at bay by planning lots of party games and keep children’s sugar levels up naturally with plenty of pure fruit juice. An occupied child will be a happy child.

8 – Make sure you have time for yourself! It may sound like an unlikely scenario but try and factor in a half hour soak in the bath just to recharge your batteries and stop giving of yourself for a few minutes. It will make you feel calmer and make you better able to cope when Uncle Jack starts recounting his childhood memories for the fourth time that day!