Make a menu list, a present list for everyone with a budget for each, a list of entertaining trips and expenses ie theatre tickets, drinks etc. Total this and divide by 12. If you can put this aside each month you will be relatively painlessly sorted for next christmas. Shop in sales throughtout the year for suitable presents, this will help your be stress free. Order online where you can safely and make your hairdressser and beuticicans appointments about September for the exact dates you want. After Christmas review your list and you can stock up in the sales on gift wrap and some gifts ahead of schiedule
Make a list of Christmas, not just a Christmas list: the menu, the food shopping, food preparation, where and what decorations. Christmas comes once a year!
Alot of my family cant visit for xmas day so we all see eachother for boxing day and the days following after it. So I usually got to the boxing day sales and buy things half price. Also through out the year with all the sales, like easter sales etc. I buy little things for people I think they might like. So when it comes to xmas, you have alot, and not rushing round on xmas eve. Also if you see things your family like during the year, its best to buy it because Ive noticed it goes up in price nearer the xmas and sometimes its never on offer or anything for long.