Like postcards, Christmas cards are something that we generally only send once a year.

Unless you are a member of the society “The Followers of the Sandal of Brian” who have uncovered the meaning of the cards (Amazing Discovery: Answers to the Secrets of Life Uncovered in Postcards) then most people’s choice of cards will usually involve a cute winter scene or a picture of the nativity.

That’s fine.

Some people will argue that one is preferable to the other and debate what Christmas is all about.

That is not the subject that we are looking at here.

You choose what suits your own feelings.

Perhaps what is more important is the personal touch of the message inside.

That person to person message is something that the receiver may treasure without you even realising.

Okay that’s the cards signed sealed and delivered.

For many it has been a bad year

For others it is a time to make the final touches before closing for the holiday and ensuring that all will be well for the forthcoming year

After all for some, an opportunity is an opportunity.

As the offices close to the sounds of merriment, it is worth remembering and carefully calculating how much alcohol you are going to have at those office parties and to take into consideration your own safety.

One thing that people tend to forget is, that they may well have had a fanciful eye on one of their colleagues; but they will have to work with them again after the holiday

While it is alright getting into the spirit of things, it is well worth taking into account how others will remember you, when the gossiping starts up again in January.

Once you’re home and ready for the holiday its time to check all the final arrangements have been made and all the plans are in place. This may seem petty but it’s something everybody needs to do to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Remember if there is more than just you in the home then all should pull together, pool resources and not just rely on one of you to have to make all the decisions and preparations.

Even the smallest details can be important for the smooth running of the holiday.

Do you have carol singers visiting door to door where you live, and are you prepared for their visit?

Or are you one of the carol singers: have you planned and practised what you are going to sing?

Have you planned your route and decided at which houses you will be best received?

Don’t forget to sit down with the children and carefully help them and supervise them while they write their letters. After all for many, that is the epitome of Christmas.

The wishes and desires of the little angels carefully crafted in a letter and addressed “Dear Father Christmas…..”

While you have been taking care of the preparations for the humans in the family, don’t forget the pets.

Make sure that you have plenty of food for them over the festive season. Give them plenty of care and attention, so they don’t get bored, or feel unwanted.

Remember its plan, plan and plan. Leave nothing to chance. Make sure every eventuality is covered so that nothing can spoil the big day

If everything’s gone according to plan you should now be getting up on Christmas morning with your day laid out in front of you, to relax and enjoy. You will get the satisfaction of knowing that the hints you were given, were picked up on, and the presents are being opened to smiling grateful faces

You can now celebrate the day, and prepare for that wonderful Christmas meal.

For many this festive feast is the highlight of the day. That golden brown turkey with the potatoes and vegetables after possibly an enticing first course, and a wonderfully rich pudding to complete the indulgence.

Although with all that alcohol and food being available, it may be tempting, but it is worth bearing in mind the dangers of over indulgence.

Comfortably sated you can now do like many others do around the world and settle down in your favourite armchair, with glass to hand, in front of the television. There’ll be no surprises.

Depending on which country you live in: the movie will be the same one that was on last year, there may be a round-up of the year’s news and in the UK there will be the Queens annual Christmas message.

At this point I’ll leave you to enjoy yourself and hope that you will have a very good Christmas.

But bear in mind that “good” is not just for Christmas. It is an attitude that you should carry around with you all year. After all……

Other card and Holiday articles by this writer:

• Saucy Seaside Postcards
• Amazing Discovery: Answers to the Secrets of Life Uncovered in Postcards
• Four Classic Quotes to Memorize for Halloween or How to Get Thrown Out of the Neighbourhood