You’ll be sure to have a very merry holly-day with our essential checklist for the season!

The turkey’s ordered, the halls are decked and you’ve hung the stockings up on the wall, but you still have a strange feeling you’ve forgotten something in your quest to create the perfect occasion for your loved ones.

Never fear – we’re here with our holiday checklist to make sure your celebrations go off without a hitch.

Seasonal Songs

It’s not the holidays without a bit of Mariah and Michael. Load up your playlist with all your favourite tunes and get ready to dance around the kitchen as you stuff the turkey.

Winter Wardrobe

It may still be warm out here, but it’s just chilly enough to give us an excuse to wear a Christmas jumper. The uglier and glitzier, the better – and don’t forget to snap the whole family in their festive regalia so you can get a photo printed for some spectacularly cringe-worthy cards as a bonus.

Santa’s Snacks

Look, he’s worked hard all year and he deserves a treat – and the same goes for those reindeer. It’s the least you can do, especially when you have little ones waiting to hear sleigh bells. We suggest the classic milk and cookies combo alongside a carrot or two.

Easy As Pie

It’s pretty much the law that mince pies must be easily within your grasp at all times during the season. Make sure you stock up and place them strategically around your home, just in case someone needs a top-up of festive spirit.

Festive Films

When it’s time to gather the fam around for a merry movie marathon, we recommend spreading a little cheer with Elf, Home Alone or The Polar Express. More grown-up picks include Scrooged, starring Bill Murray, sap-fest Love Actually or It’s a Wonderful Life, while Grinches will get a kick out of Die Hard – a classic – and Gremlins.

All Wrapped Up

‘Twas the night before Christmas… And you realised you’d forgotten wrapping paper and ribbon, and the shops were closed. Don’t let this be you: Plan ahead, stock up on supplies and trim those gifts as you go – it’ll stop any wandering eyes from taking a peek before it’s time to open pressies.

Reindeer Games

There’s nothing like a good board game to bring the family together during the holiday. Classics like Pictionary and Monopoly always do well, and adventurous types can try Jenga or Twister. If you want something a bit more unusual, try Exploding Kittens or Ticket to Ride, a tough train-based strategy game.