Why is it always such a surprise when Christmas comes around again? It's the same date every year, but it feels like it goes from the distant future to a few days away in a flash!

Some people plan their Christmas months in advance with annoyingly relaxed precision, but for the rest of us, the run-up to the big day is spent fretting about what’s been forgotten.

With that in mind, we've put together a Christmas survival guide for late planners with a festive list of tips and tricks on:

Last-minute presents.
Preparing for guests.
Christmas cooking crises.
Going away for the holidays.
Planning for next year.

It's never too late to snatch a festive victory from the jaws of defeat, so let's get on with making a Christmas you’ll never forget, and for all the right reasons!

LAST MINUTE CHRISTMAS PRESENTS

Unless you adore Christmas shopping, you’ve probably been putting it off and are now frozen with fear or stuck for ideas. Well, worry not! You still have plenty of options for thoughtful gifts, including:

Memberships for culture vultures to cinemas, museums, galleries and the National Trust, or a magazine subscription for the fabulous fashionistas, fishing fanatics or fitness freaks in your life.
Vouchers have evolved beyond book tokens, with experience days including hot air balloons, spas, five-star afternoon teas, glam photoshoots, brewery visits, and everything in between.
Grab a gadget, from an Alexa to a Chromecast, a portable speaker to earpods, or curling tongs to beard trimmers. Just avoid anything related to cleaning or housework - it’s Christmas!
Games make great gifts, from newer party favourites like Herd Mentality and Cards Against Humanity, to timeless classics like Jenga, Ticket To Ride, Uno, or Backgammon.
And if you’re still stuck, or don’t know someone that well, it’s hard to go wrong with fancy soaps from Lush, a scented candle, a tin of posh tea, local beers and gins, or a stylish scarf.

Most online retailers who use a courier will deliver right up to Christmas Eve. Many also offer a wrapping service, so your gift will arrive ready to slide under the tree or into the recipient's hands.

PREPARING FOR GUESTS

Christmas can be truly magical when you’re hosting friends or family, but there are always preparations, not to mention keeping everyone entertained. So try these tips for a smooth and fun-filled stay.

For overnight guests, dust and vacuum where they'll be sleeping, and supply fresh bedding and towels. Plus: stock up on loo roll, tea, coffee, dishwasher tabs, and ibuprofen!
Double-check what your guests prefer to drink and whether they have any dietary requirements or no-nos, from the main meal to snacks and nibbles, and then place that online order!
Think about entertainment beyond the telly and phones, from online games to a classic pack of cards. And remember: nature is always open for wonderful winter strolls to work off lunch.

For lots more inspiration on making the most of Christmas at home, whether at yours or somebody else's, make a dash for our Cracking Christmas blog and fill your stocking with ideas.

CHRISTMAS COOKING CRISIS?

If you forgot to order a turkey, it needn’t ruin the occasion. Even when supermarket shelves are emptying out, you still have plenty of options to make a memorable meal.

When it comes to food, you can make your own tradition, whether you or your guests are carnivores or vegan. Perhaps they’ll even see you as extra creative if you don’t serve up the same as everyone else.

Pies look incredible, are easy to make with ready-made pastry, and are so homely and satisfying. Think classic fillings like ham & leek, chicken & mushroom, steak & onion, or simply vegetables.
You can always get a chicken to roast, and they never let you down. Give it a festive boost by filling it with Christmas stuffing, then serve with all the trimmings and gravy.
No Christmas pudding or mince pies? Save the day with a hearty crumble and custard, or stew some apples and plums and serve in a tumbler with Greek yoghurt, topped with crushed nuts.

Finally, Christmas is about preparing way more food than everyone can eat, and if you need some ideas for leftovers, look no further than YouTube.

GOING AWAY FOR THE HOLIDAYS?

If you’re going away for the festive season, and whether or not you know your destination, there’s always time for a tiny bit of last-minute planning to ease the feeling of getaway ground rush.

If you’re visiting friends or family, wrap any presents before you go, pack your clothes the day before, and buy a little something to arrive with, like some bubbly or fancy chocolates.
Heading off for a while? Arrange for any plants or pets to be fed, and turn down your thermostat to between 12 and 15 degrees to keep the freeze off.
Still not planned your trip? Bag a late deal! Try Airbnb for holiday homes, Mr & Mrs Smith for boutique hotels, spabreaks.com for winter pampering, or lastminute.com for package tours.

And finally, breathe! No matter how eleventh-hour it may seem, just remember the film Shakespeare in Love and say to yourself: “Everything will turn out well. Nobody knows how. It’s a mystery.”

PLANNING A PANIC-FREE XMAS 2025

If you haven’t enjoyed the feeling of last-minute Christmas panic, why not get organised in advance so it never happens again? You can start right now by popping reminders into your calendar for things like:

Buying decorations, wrapping paper and cards in January. There are always bargains in the sales, and they can go in a cupboard until the festive season comes around again.
Start an ‘ideas for presents’ list on your phone today so you’re ready whenever inspiration strikes. Make a note when someone mentions something they’d love to do or have.
Put a date in the diary now for ordering things like turkey, wine or a Christmas tree; when to start writing cards; and perhaps a reminder to bag some gifts in the Black Friday sale.

And if you simply can’t face it next year, start your plans to escape. You can already book flights and trips for Christmas 2025, and you've got a full 12 months to decide on your holiday wardrobe.

A final Christmas greeting from us

Wishing you the very best for a fabulous festive season of laughter and good times wherever you are and whoever you're with. And may your 2025 be everything you hope for and more.