‘Happy Christmas’ we gush, but with all the extra shopping, cooking and entertaining it can be stressful. Kate Whiting gives her top tips on how to stay chilled . . .

As the song goes, it may be the 'most wonderful time of the year', but it is sadly also the most common day for heart attacks and the day when family feuds can boil over.

Keep your stress levels firmly in check with this guide on how to deal with sticky situations.

Shopping panic

Scenario: It is late afternoon on Christmas Eve, you are exhausted, laden down with shopping bags, and you still need to find one more gift. Sound familiar?

De-stress solution: Before you even hit the shops, take a vitamin supplement like Seven Seas' new Multibionta Boost, which contains vitamins and minerals that help energy release, plus ginseng and guarana — perfect for that hectic shopping trip — (£4.29, from most pharmacies and health food shops.

Mother-in-law mayhem

Scenario: There is nothing worse when you are slaving away in a hot kitchen, than your mother-in-law poking her nose in and criticising your cooking.

De-stress solution: Set 'mum' to work chopping vegetables, or ask her to make you a nice cup of herbal tea. Try Pukka Herbs Relax Vata Tea, made with a calming blend of chamomile, fennel and marshmallow root (£2.09 for 20 sachets, www.pukkaherbs.com). It is just the antidote for irritation!

Kids are crackers

Scenario: The school holidays have started and the children are more excited and bouncy than ever, expecting you to be on hand to see to their every need.

De-stress solution: Take some 'me' time each day once the kids have finally gone to bed and pamper yourself with a relaxing bath. Try Dead Sea Aromatherapy Bath Salts with frankincense oil and rose petals to get you in the festive mood (£5.99 per 500ml, from Boots). Then snuggle up in a Slanket, last year's must-have cosy accessory (£24.99, from the website www.firebox.com), with a good book, and light a relaxing candle. Try Cowshed Lazy Cow Soothing Room Candle, £28, from www.bathandunwind.com.

No more nightmares

Scenario: The ever-growing Christmas 'to do' list and fears about the impact of all those extra calories consumed are keeping you awake at night. And less sleep means more stress.

De-stress solution: Lull yourself to sleep with a soothing foot massage. Try HoMedics Snuggly Bear Massaging Booties, £19.99, available at Argos and Next, or try Kalms Night One-a-Night (£4.99 for 21 tablets, from most supermarkets and pharmacies) which contain valerian, an ancient medicinal herb, that helps to ward off anxiety.

Money worries

Scenario: It is only too tempting to splurge at Christmas, when there are so many people to buy presents for and all that tempting food in supermarkets.

De-stress solution: Make sure you draw up a realistic budget and only spend what you can afford. Shopping online will save you money and make sure you opt for free delivery. Also, send e-cards instead of real ones to save on postage and visit websites like http://shopittome.co.uk for voucher codes.

Lazy husband syndrome

Scenario: You are busy writing Christmas cards, wrapping presents and running round the supermarket buying food, while your other half relaxes on the sofa watching Star Wars.

De-stress scenario: Give him a list of practical things he can do to help. If you're feeling cheeky, hand him a Hoover Jovis Handheld Vacuum Cleaner and get him to give the house a quick once over to get rid of pesky cake crumbs (£59, available from all good electrical retailers).

Cooking like crazy

Scenario: On the big day itself, you'll be on your feet for hours, slaving over Christmas dinner and, unless you have Santa's little helpers, there will be no time for a break.

De-stress solution: Tisserand DeStress Roll-on Remedy, with soothing patchouli oil, is perfect for frazzled moments (£4.95, from Boots) or try Neals Yard Calm Spritzer, instant calm for face and body in a bottle, £11.99 from www.bathandunwind.com

Festive family feuds

Scenario: You have not seen most of your family all year and you don't even get on with half of them. Now, they are suddenly all in your home and rows could break out at any time.

De-stress solution: Distract them! If you've still got a to-do list to get through, give everyone a task, or get them all together and play a classic board game to get everyone in the spirit and forget their differences.

Calorie fest

Scenario: You have overindulged and now you are worried about the extra inches around your waist, not to mention the hangover and indigestion.

De-stress solution: A quick fix is to drink some water! It sounds simple, but when you are feeling tempted to indulge, a glass of water can stop hunger pangs. Try drinking a pint of water before all meals to suppress your appetite, go for crisp winter walks and send any leftovers home with your guests.

Winter blues

Scenario: When Christmas is packed away, the adrenaline will stop pumping and you could feel a bit low or catch a cold.

De-stress solution: Give your immune system a boost with Multibionta Immune Support (£7.99 for 30 tablets, from Boots), which also contains probiotics to soothe your tummy.