I found these beautiful decorations at the Saturday Balmain market: cinnamon sticks, dried chillis and a native Australian gum nut. The ideal foodie Christmas tree decoration and so much better than candy canes or sweets.  Oops – this one is a bit late -  Christmas Day has been and gone. I hope that you have had a fun and joy-filled day with perhaps a few quiet moments to remember the true meaning of this celebration.

No. 11 Give someone a break: Strife and stress on Christmas day is often because of old grievances still held against some family member. It’s easy to stay angry and hard to forgive. But as the Bible story goes of the crowd who were ready to stone an adulteress, Jesus said to them “If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.” No-one did. Sometimes it’s easier to let an offense go when we remember that we are not perfect either!

Get your family moving over Christmas with some activity presents such as a cricket set, rugby ball, roller blades, skateboard, a triathlon, Pilates classes or bicycle tour.

No. 9 Give a helping hand: Some people appreciate a gift of service more than a present. These people are usually the types who rush around helping others: people usually give what they would like to get. Give them a beautifully wrapped voucher which says you will wash their car, clean their house, cook them a meal or whatever you think you could do for them.