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Nov 29, 2023

Revealed: 50 Hardest Parts of Christmas to Master

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We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article.

Do you struggle with any of these?

Untangling fairy lights, keeping real Christmas trees alive and decorating the table for dinner are among the hardest parts of Christmas to master, new research from Tesco has found.

A study of 2,000 adults, which was commissioned as part of Tesco's #StandForJoy campaign, revealed what people find challenging over the festive season. According to the findings, one in 10 Brits struggle to make good gravy, 30% wish more people would help them out with hosting, and 21% would like help choosing the correct drinks for each meal.

While decking the halls is one of the season's highlights, Tesco found that many households struggle with making the right amount of food, sticking with a present budget, and keeping dinner table conversation on the right track. Elsewhere, wrapping awkwardly-shaped objects was also voted as a tricky task to master.

"Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many, but that's not to say that people couldn't do with an extra little help now and then," Alessandra Bellini, a spokesperson from Tesco, says.

"Our research shows that many people want to make Christmas particularly special this year, but it also highlighted the demand for some guidance on some very specific festive topics."

Take a look at the full list below...

£67

This kit contains everything you need to knit your own beautiful advent calendar so buy it early and leave enough time to make it. You can then fill the pockets with thoughtful daily treats and enjoy it every year.

Decorated with festive hand-painted images, this fabric calendar from Cath Kidston will brighten up any wall. It has 24 small pockets to fill and hangs from string.

Looking for something a little different? Onolla's January Winter Wellness Gift is an advent calendar designed to help you kick start 2023 with good intentions. It is filled with beautiful products to enhance your wellbeing, including deluxe products for winter bathing, nourishing and pampering. You'll also find a host of tips on how to restore and rejuvenate during the month of January.

Looking for something unique this year? Well, search no further, as this gingerbread advent calendar house ticks all the right boxes. The countdown to the big event is marked by 24 little drawers, a place to hide a festive treat, and a surprise each morning. Fill with mini toys and edible goodies.

£120

This fabric reusable advent calendar will become a much-loved family heirloom. Each pocket comes with a matching drawstring bag to pop the daily treats inside.

We're big fans of this beautiful wooden advent calendar from the House Beautiful Marketplace. With 24 miniature drawers, you can fill with your own treats and surprises.

Don't let the festivities commence without this beautiful fabric advent calendar from Fortnum & Mason. It's more expensive at just under £200, but can be kept in the family for years to come.

£52

This light-up wooden advent calendar can be personalised with a name of your choice. Fill each little drawer with a message. All you need is two AA batteries.

£10.99

With 24 stockings and pegs, this fill-your-own-stocking is the perfect DIY activity. It's easy to assemble and can be strung across walls or the fireplace.

This Scandi-style wooden advent calendar will complement any interior scheme. It features five 5cm wooden drawers with changeable gold numbers, so you can count down to the 25th with a surprise each day. It's sure to keep the festive excitement rolling.

£37

Instead of sweets or goodies, this advent calendar features slips of paper with fun activities on.

For something a little different, get your hands on this wooden townhouse advent calendar. Perfect to fill with mini treats and reuse every year.

£130

We love this personalised wooden advent calendar, which is sure to put everyone in the festive spirit. It comes with a set of 24 Christmas advent calendar hessian sacks with a choice of metallic numbers in copper, gold, silver, pink, green and red.

£19.95

Children will love this fabric advent calendar! As well as being personalised, it has a sweet snowy scene on the front and 24 deep pockets to fill with gifts.

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