1. Make unlosable lists. You?re far more likely to get it all done if you write down important holiday tasks and set to-do-by dates. To keep your checklist close at hand, use a smartphone app such as Todoist, Wunderlist, Google Keep or Remember the Milk.
2. Ditch the paper. Wrapping presents takes forever. Gift bags, on the other hand, are fast to fill, not to mention cheap, easy and reusable. Stock up on gift bags and sticky bows in solid colours at a dollar store.
3. Plan meals to the minute. Preparing a feast for a crowd calls for super-scheduling?especially that last half-hour, when you?re trying to simultaneously carve the roast, simmer the gravy and mash the spuds. Write out a minute-by-minute schedule, pin it to the fridge and set timers on your phone so you?re not doing frantic cooking math on Christmas Day. 4. Take shopping leave. Book one day off work to zip around town and do your gift shopping without having to stand in line or battle weekend crowds. You could also use that day to shop online from your sofa?and then binge-watch your fave Netflix show with the hours saved?for an even more relaxing retail experience.

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24 days and ways to a more relaxed Christmas

5. Alternate between families. If you spend more time stressing...