Dreading the big day? Take a seat, relax and follow our guide to a peaceful Christmas and New Year at home.

Plan ahead

Most people look forward to sitting down for a big Christmas meal, but for whoever made it, it can be a big headache starting with the ordering of food.

People tend to not plan ahead and panic buy at the last-minute, or even plan ahead then still feel the need to rush out on Christmas Eve and join the massive queues of fed-up shoppers.

The internet becomes especially useful when it comes to ordering Christmas essentials.

Local farms have a wide range of turkey, geese, duck, beef and pork that you can order for Christmas. We are spoilt for choice in Wiltshire, but you can see a list of all the organic farms in the area at www.alotoforganics.co.uk Farms that run vegetable box schemes can also deliver extra veggies in time for Christmas if you order in advance.

Although it seems like a boring and time-consuming chore, making a list of how many people will be eating over the Christmas period and then planning meals is a good way to avoid a last-minute rush.

Most people buy too much and then end up either wasting it or eating leftovers well into the new year. If you're worried that you won't have enough food, make as much as possible before Christmas and freeze it.

You can then defrost food whenever you need it and it will save time as Christmas approaches.

Top tips for dieters

Christmas can be a frustrating time for dieters as rich and tempting food is constantly offered.

There are easy ways to stay in shape at parties and on Christmas Day. Just hide the Quality Street and chocolate coins.

Turkey is actually good for slimmers as it's packed full of protein, which fills you up and is lower in fat than other meat.

Remove the skin as just 15g contains 70 calories and 6g of fat.

Use less fat to cook roast potatoes. Spray lightly with oil or par-boil then dry roast with a little bit of salt.

Pile your plate high with a wide range of vegetables. Steam them to retain maximum vitamins and minerals and eat a rainbow of colours.

One big meal is not going to make much difference to your waistline - a brisk walk should be enough to compensate for any indulgences.

However, snacks and parties can be a minefield for dieters.

Don't be tempted to buy lots of treats a long time before Christmas, as they will get eaten way before the holidays.

If you're planning a party buy low-fat versions of crisps and dips and create your own versions musing natural yogurt. Dip in vegetable sticks instead of bread and crisps.

If you're designated chef, try not to nibble when you're making dinner. Chew some sugar-free gum to keep your mouth busy.

When you're going to a party with food, have a bite to eat first, that way you won't pick all night and be hungry.

Watch how much your drinking as well, you'll end up eating far more if you're tipsy.