WE KNOW THESE panics so well at this stage.

There is something unique about the Christmas season that brings around so many stresses all at once.

We round them all up in one horrifying list:

1. The general fear

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You know that Christmas can be a stressful time of year, but that doesn’t make you actually plan ahead and get everything taken care of. This leaves you with about a week left, nothing done and an overbearing sense of dread. Which makes you feel fantastic.

2. The sly re-gift

Can you get away with giving an already-received gift to someone else? Think of the chain. Will that person be likely to see it lying around the house. “Hey, I gave that to…” Your cover will be blown. It’s the guaranteed Christmas worry of the re-gifter.

3. How to reach present equilibrium

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“How much are they going to spend on me? I have to them something of equal or greater value or I’ll be the tightest gifter of the season. I know they’re going to pull out some seriously epic present at the last minute and I’ll be left handing them a €20 voucher for Penneys.”

4. What to get your family members

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The panic that sets in when you realise you have got your uncle a variation of the same gift for seven years running. Must be original.

Socks, it is then.

5. Even those closer to home may be a struggle

You might live with them, but that doesn’t give you authority to pick out something they will actually like. Even when you have settled on that wonderfully vibrant scarf, you will have the panic doubts on Christmas Eve.

6. Mammy will have questions. Lots of questions

The questions won’t stop. For those returning home for Christmas, new topics will be found and lines of interrogation set.

7. Trying to cook for a revolving door of people

It doesn’t even have to be microwaveable, you might be cooking for the countless visitors that will darken your family’s door over the holidays. Are you ready? There is a special panic reserved for the thought of cooking for fifteen people.

8. What happens when the Chocolate Kimberleys run out

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But. Wait. What will we feed people with their tea? Are they supposed to drink it without some chocolate based snack? That will hit you like a panic

9. How can I afford this?

You’re half way through your shopping list for everyone, and the budget is suddenly looking sparse. You’ll need to do some editing to avoid full scale Christmas Eve panic purchasing.

10. Meeting the parents

For some, Christmas is the time that you meet their special someone’s parents for the first time. That will be great craic, or one of the most stressful moments of Christmas. Take your pick.

11. The alcohol supplies

It can be tough to source some drink for the family home in and around Christmas, as many off licences close on the big days. “Is there enough whiskey left? We have visitors coming over. ” This is the true test of your Christmas stress levels.

12. The Dublin Airport debacle

Great. A close family member is returning home. This is actually a really happy time for all. It’s just getting to and from Dublin airport around Christmas that takes the festive cheer out of the situation. Still, there may be emotions:

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But it’s all worth it in the end, right?

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