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Combat Christmas stress!

So you blew the budget back in May, the season of goodwill is already stressing you out and you can't cope with the scrum that is Christmas shopping. Worry not! iVillagers reveal their top strategies for coping with all things Crimbo

1. Bargain hunt
2. Give the gift of time
3. DIY decorations
4. Online Christmas gifts
5. Food - be prepared!

1. Bargain hunt
Christmas can be one of the most bank-bustingly expensive times of year. The dread felt across the land as credit card bills hit the doormat come early January can lead to some serious stress. However, according to iVillager zoehutch, there are in-store bargains to be had:

'I just thought I'd let you know, I did loads of Christmas shopping yesterday at Woolies and they have so many bargains on at the minute. For example, if you spend £50 or more you get a £5 gift voucher to spend. Many toys also had £10-£20 off and there are many are 3 for 2 offers on toys in store. I bought about £100 worth of presents for a grand total of £74.'

• Discover other iVillagers' store bargain tips

2. Give the gift of time
Don't know what to buy for the friend who has it all? Strapped for cash and can't afford to treat your Mum to more than a box of Maltesers? Why not give a completely personal gift this year, one that anyone would be thrilled to receive and which, best of all, costs exactly nought pence. iVillager goddess_thrin72 explains:

'One of my friends is really short of cash this year so instead of expensive gifts, she's giving her family vouchers for her time. She knows her elderly dad wants to decorate so she's made him a little voucher as a promise from her to do the job for him. Instead of worrying about the bills after the big day, by giving the gift of your time, you give something precious and special, but won't cost in a financial way. Personally if someone gave me a promise for a night or two of babysitting I'd be over the moon with gratitude and love them forever!'

• Why not volunteer some spare time this Christmas

3. DIY decorations
If you're feeling creative, how about making your own decorations this year? While making a mess with glitter, glue and tinsel may not be everyone's idea of a stress-free Christmas tip, think of the fun you'll have with the kids making decorations that have meaning to you as a family. Added bonus: it'll keep them amused for hours and will cost you very little financially. iVillage's cathylynette has an idea:

Home-made snow globe
1 glass jar (I use Ragu ones as they're a nice shape)
Water
Glitter - small stars and sparkly glitter look great!
Small santa or other Christmassy waterproof decoration
Plasticine
Plumbers tape to water-seal the lid

Secure Christmassy object to the lid of the jar with plasticine.
Add enough water to fill the jar to within half and inch off the top.
Add glitter, stars etc and replace the lid.
Wrap some plumbers' tape around the edge of the jar.

Turn up and voila! It shouldn't leak because of the tape securing it. You could even hide the tape with a nice bit of red or gold ribbon or some tinsel.

clarefellows suggests:
Go to this site to find some great printable decorations. Just print, cut out, paint and throw a load of glitter on! We are going to string ours together and make a garland.

Quick tip: print on to card if you can, then your decoration won't curl up before Boxing Day.

Another tip: cut them out BEFORE the kids paint them, otherwise you lose the shape of your decoration amongst the glitter and paint!

• Discover more creative Christmas ideas and homemade gifts

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