MARY’S INGREDIENTS FOR A HASSLE-FREE CHRISTMAS

Always make lists. If you start planning at the beginning of December, you can buy tinned goods, order the turkey and things like that. Once you’ve done that, you can drop your shoulders and forget about it.

Buy the best turkey you can afford. Don’t be put off by a frozen bird, just make sure it was frozen air cooled and fresh.

Be organised and delegate. At Christmas, my daughter-inlaw’s parents do the Christmas pudding and the party games.

Give home-made presents. You can make these well before Christmas. I’m making cucumber dill pickle because we have so many. If you make something, have a little stock of them and give those as small presents. It’s so personal giving something you’ve spent time making, and it’s great to be able to bring something when you go for drinks with family or friends.

I’m happy for people to help out on Christmas Day. If someone asks to lend a hand, I give them a little job that I loathe doing, like peeling quails’ eggs or preparing sprouts. My mother always used to do the sprouts, even until she was 105. If grandchildren ask me what they can do to help, I give them plain labels to decorate as place settings for each guest.

Share the washing-up. It’s no chore because you’re chattering away with family and you’ve probably had a glass of wine, too. It’s great!