In today's world the stress of Christmas increases year by year. Many parents with young children and lots of relatives find it increasingly difficult to cope with this stress plus the high cost of Christmas. This can result in people falling into debt as they attempt to provide wildly expensive gifts for their children, friends and relatives.

I think many families would agree that Christmas has become so stressful that the true meaning of Christmas has virtually been lost. There are ways, however, of drastically reducing stress whilst still being able to celebrate Christmas which your loved ones can look back on with pleasure. One of the best ways to avoid this stress is to plan ahead and buy presents months before the occasion itself.

Most department stores hold sales in July and August when some amazing bargains can be bought at 50% of their original price or even less. It may seem strange to contemplate shopping for Christmas in summer but the advantages can be huge. Being able to avoid the crush and hassle in the shops at Christmas is one of them. Another is the satisfaction of being able to complete most of your Christmas shopping well in advance at a fraction of its usual cost, so halving worries over money. All that remains is a suitable place to hide all your purchases! The relief in knowing you've accomplished what often feels like a Herculean task is a reward in itself. Fantastic savings on Christmas can be made immediately after Christmas. Good, expensive cards are available at knock down prices, along with baubles and wrapping paper which are well worth while snapping up at bargain prices.

Another method of cutting stress is to buy on-line at eBay, particularly when shopping for jewellery. From expensive to cheap, from modern to traditional, from antique to new, it's all there; rings, watches, bracelets, necklaces, anything you want. Choose from gold, platinum or silver plus any type of precious and semi-precious stones. The choice is amazing.

You can buy from dealers, manufacturers, estate sales or private sales. And you can buy with confidence as jewellery is one of the most popular items sold in on-line auctions. Without doubt, if you buy jewellery on-line you will save a considerable amount of money and find the most incredible bargains. Have a look, you will be astonished at what is on offer.

Many parties are held during the festive season which gives women the opportunity to spruce (no pun intended) up the house, apart from the tree itself. Christmas trees nowadays are often themed in colour and can look spectacular. Lots of candles add to the atmosphere and look truly festive when they are lit.

Displaying Christmas cards is an art in itself as they can become overwhelming. One of the best ways is to display them on doors so they don't detract from other decorations. They look very attractive when placed at an angle, using bluetack on the back of the card.

Christmas floral decorations, when used carefully, add yet another dimension to the festive atmosphere. The odd red velvet bow over a large mirror or picture can be very effective.

Christmas lights for the tree are available in just about every colour in the rainbow but I think lots of tiny white ones look magical but this is a matter of personal taste. By deciding in advance how you will decorate your home lessons the stress of preparing for Christmas tremendously.

Avoiding stress by planning ahead leaves you more time to decorate your home at a leisurely pace. One of the nicest parts of Christmas is decorating your table for Christmas dinner. A floral centrepiece works extremely well along with candles spaced at regular intervals down the centre of the table. No table would be complete without Christmas crackers and, again, the colour of them can be themed with the rest of the table decorations for the best effect. A white or cream linen table cloth and matching napkins usually provide the best background.

Going out to a hotel or restaurant for Christmas dinner is very popular now as so many of them offer a full Christmas dinner on Christmas Day with plenty of choice in price and menus. It really is a special day to dine out. No cooking, no washing up, no timing worries, no stress. Get up on Christmas morning, open presents, make a few phone calls, dress up and go out to dinner feeling a million dollars! A few hours later you return home, sit down to relax and enjoy the rest of Christmas day. Going out for a meal on Christmas day leaves you free to enjoy the main day of the festive season and eliminates all the stress.

I haven't yet mentioned the holly wreath for the front door as this is usually one of the final purchases but it really is worth investing in one for that festive touch. They can also be used inside the house, particularly on a white internal door.

If you have young children, which, let's face it, Christmas is all about, stores now sell fabulous Christmas stockings which add to the festive picture. I'm assuming you haven't forgotten their Advent calendars, chocolate or otherwise!

Finally, it's Christmas Eve with its wonderful air of anticipation. Good wrapping paper for the presents is a must if you can afford it. Beautifully wrapped presents add to the excitement on Christmas morning, even though it is destroyed in seconds!

Here's wishing you a very happy stress free Christmas.