We're under a lot of pressure to have a perfect Christmas.
Media images abound of beautifully dressed mothers taking perfectly cooked meals out of a spotless kitchen, while children playing quietly with toys in a tidy lounge.
The perfect present, the perfect meal, the prefect family.
We all know that the festive season is rarely like that for real mortals.
I remember that every Christmas a close member of my family got depressed, so I dreaded waiting for that black cloud to descend as soon as the Queen's speech started.
Many of us won't be able to afford huge gifts this year, and we don't always get on with everyone in our family.
The food won't be perfect, we won't all be in a great mood, and some won't like their presents.
There will be tensions and sadness.
Instead of unrealistic standards, why don't we aim for a happy rather than a perfect Christmas? Try my top tips: 1.
Lower your expectations.
It's Ok to buy in some of your Christmas food if it makes you a bit less harassed.
Plan  ways you can cut some unimportant corners in your cooking, planning or decorating, which will give you more time or energy.
2.
Ask for help.
Many family members won't be aware how stressful it is preparing for Christmas, so why not make a festive rota for jobs like putting the rubbish out, laying the table or making a meal? There's always something that everyone can do - they'll love to be asked! 3.
Meditate daily.
Try this simple Dru meditation technique on waking which will help you stay calm and happy, no matter what.
Sit up in bed with a tall spine.
On your in-breath, feel how alert your body is, and as you breathe out, let your body slightly relax.
Repeat for at least five minutes, stretching gently before you get up.
4.
Spend 5 minutes prioritising.
Before you go to bed, write a list of the tasks you need to do the following day.
This will help you sleep better, and avoid worrying about them.
In the morning, prioritise them, and try and do the most important ones first.
5.
Accept what you can't change.
Are there things that aren't quite right in your life just now? Finances, work, your home, your family? Try accepting them (at least till the new year!) Then you can try changing them, but just for the next 10 days, let them be as they are.
6.
Gratitude - the Christmas attitude.
This is the best time of year to practise the secrets to real Christmas happiness.
During the day, remind yourself to count your blessings and spend a moment in gratitude for everything that's going OK.
For friends, family, health, a home, neighbours or a beautiful pet - these are all plenty of reasons to be grateful.