Here are some tips for a stress-free Christmas - it's probably too late for most of them, so I would suggest you just panic! That's what I'm going to do.

1. PLAN AHEAD

Buy your Christmas presents in August and send your cards in October.

2. DRAW UP A BUDGET

Start saving in January and be really strict  - only one present per person.

3. MAKE SOME "ME TIME"

Take the dog for a walk, have coffee with a friend, or just retreat to the bathroom with a good book and some aromatherapy bath oils. Alternatively, Holiday Inn hotels are offering 25% off for mothers-in-law over the Christmas season.

4. SWITCH OFF THE TV

Play family games or go for a long walk in the snow instead.

5. AVOID TOO MUCH ALCOHOL

The main cause of many a family disagreement over the festive season.  Resist the impulse to over-indulge - no matter how tempting it sounds!

We would like to wish all our previous and future students a very merry Christmas and happy New Year!

From Mark, Jill, Sarah and Pat.