you can always fail year after year like me until you finally give up trying!

I think the key though, if none of the Countdowns are really working for you, is to pick what does work and don't beat yourself up about the rest. Make lists and don't get into November without having a vague idea on all the main topics (gifts, card list, who's going where for which meal and what meals you're cooking yourself, and any outings you'd really like to do).

I have something for my mother, a couple of somethings planed but not bought for DH (the shop didn't have his size when I went in), plenty of books and games planned for the kids, and a few ideas up my sleeve for my SIL and PILs. I also know I have Christmas cards somewhere which will have to be dug up soon. I've made an almost final choice on meat and broadcast it to my mother so we should haven't any clashes with her and my cousins either. If my father complains that he's getting roast beef for Christmas dinner instead of turkey he knows where he can stick it!!

Kerri.