Christmas Checklist

Mid November

• Book air, train or coach tickets as early as possible to make sure you get a seat. If you're travelling by car, be sure to find out your easiest route.
• Book tickets to see a Christmas musical, ballet or pantomime.

Late November

• Check the opening times of your nearest store. Most Marks & Spencer stores are open late in the lead-up to Christmas - for exact opening times of your local store, see our Store Selector.
• Buy presents for work colleagues, friends, family and unexpected guests. Be sure to purchase presents early to avoid disappointment. Use our advice in wrapped to help you make your selection. We've got fabulous gift suggestions for people of all ages and even for that person who has everything! A good idea is to buy a few extra small gifts so you're prepared for those unexpected visitors. Remember that you can buy presents from us online until 20 December.

Early December

• Send Christmas cards and presents to friends and family.
• The last posting date for parcels depends on weight, so allow at least four more days.
• Buy the Christmas tree. Remember the tree can go up anytime before Christmas Eve, but you should take it down on 6 January.
• Buy Christmas decorations for the tree and house including flowers and plants. See our ideas on how to Jazz Up Your Home.
• Plan and buy (non-perishable) food and drink for the Christmas season. We've done it for you! All you have to do is take a look at our Christmas Lunch tips in make christmas lunch easy and use our Shopping List. Remember nibbles and party food are also Christmas essentials - read our guide to nibbles or get some inspiration from our thoughts on party drinks

Mid December

• Buy flowers and plants for your home - see our ideas on how to Jazz Up Your Home
• Check that you have enough glasses, cutlery and crockery for every occasion. Check out our online selection of tableware to make your dining table a Christmas knockout!
• Invest in some new outfits for parties and Christmas Day. While you're busy purchasing gifts for everyone else, don't forget to spoil yourself! See our ideas for dressing up or check out our occasionwear instore.
• Do something to help others. Visit elderly neighbours, donate gifts to local hospitals and charity shops, or make a donation through Children's Promise.
• Write out emergency contact numbers that you might need during the Christmas period such as chemist, doctor, electricity and gas suppliers, emergency plumber and neighbours.
• Buy last minute drinks and perishable foods - use our Shopping List again to check you haven't forgotten anything.
• Relax! When it's time to put your feet up, find out how you can treat yourself with our selection of indulgent ideas