A dad’s guide to surviving Christmas

A dad's guide to surviving Christmas-This Christmas, spare a thought for the dads of the world. It can be a stressful season for anyone, but, come the big day, Super Dad is expected to appear and mend model railways almost as soon as the red coat and beard are put away. Here's a list we put together (check it twice, now) of tips and hints to make surviving Christmas that bit easier for you and your family.

1. Get Plenty of rest
Get plenty of rest The busy dad needs to be on his game the whole day through. Ricky Willis, father of the popular blog The Skint Dad, says, 'I suggest getting the earliest night possible on Christmas Eve so, come Christmas afternoon, instead of having a snooze on the sofa, I can spend some extra quality time with the children.' Energy budgeting – we wouldn't have expected anything less from the Skint Dad.

2. Come prepared
Come prepared There can be few things worse for a child on Christmas morning than unwrapping a toy, finding it needs batteries and then realising the shops are shut. The resourceful dad will have thought this through before hand. Says Stuart Thomas of Shropshire, 'start storing up the batteries as soon as Christmas is over, and make sure you store them in a place you'll remember next year!'

3. Work on those wish lists
Work on those wish lists 'I ask everyone to create a wish list,' says Karl of YorkshireDad.co.uk. 'It makes shopping much easier and the time I save is spent on fun activities and stuffing my face.' Time saving seems to be something that Karl specialises in: 'Never waste hours wrapping up presents,' he advises. 'Instead, ask the stores to wrap the presents for you.' Sounds like Karl is a dad who knows where his priorities lie.

4. Festive forward thinking
Festive forward thinking Dave Thompson, a dad from Belfast, is full of hard-won wisdom when it comes to surviving Christmas. 'Make sure the toys you buy are easily replaceable and won't be discontinued any time soon,' he says. 'My daughter is currently on Piglet number 17. We always have a spare one in the back of the cupboard in case current Piglet gets lost, left at nursery or vomited on.'

5. Keep the noise down
Keep the noise down Speaking of forward planning, here's Stuart Thomas again, back with a little health and safety advice. 'Remember not to buy toys that are too noisy,' he says, 'as you'll need your nap in the afternoon after that early start.' Like some kindly Dickensian spirit, he has plans for Christmases yet to come, too: 'Wait until you have grandchildren and then buy the loudest toys you wish you had bought for your own kids years ago.' Thanks, granddad.

6. Package preparation
Package preparation Of the dads we asked, a good number had advice on packaging. Ben Woodiwiss of London never lets unwrapping commence until there are recycle bins positioned around the room, while Rob Wood of Solihull goes as far as unpackaging the toys before he wraps them up. 'It's no fun trying to unshackle plastic superheroes from their bonds, knee-deep in wrapping paper, ear-deep in Slade,' he says with an audible shudder.

7. Remember the magic
Remember the magic Brendan Boxall, a dad from Tooting, believes in the magic of Christmas. If Santa doesn't leave any obvious signs of having visited in the night, 'tread wellies through piles of talc to recreate the track of his snowy boots across the carpet,' and, if there's no sign of the big man before they go to bed, 'get the kids to look out for him from the bedroom window while you hide in the garden jingling bells.' Lastly, for the modern family, there's always www.noradsanta.org – 'the digital way to follow Santa's progress on Christmas Eve.' Father Boxall, we salute you!

8. Keep smiling
Keep smiling Not everyone thinks Christmas is the most magical day of the year. According to Rich Lines, a dad living in South London, 'You may as well accept that Christmas belongs to the children and make the best of it. Wear a stupid jumper, watch mawkish movies, turn your house into an LED-lit, tinsel-festooned grotto and keep smiling. The more you resist, the more it hurts.

9. Keep Christmas in your heart
Keep Christmas in your heart To finish on a mega Christmassy note, let's give the big daddy over atDaddyDazed.co.uk the last word. 'Note to self,' he begins sagely, 'Christmas is no longer about eating too much, arguing with your brother and vegging out in front of the TV. Now you are a father, Christmas is an opportunity to spend quality time with your daughter, to create magic, spread love, and make memories that will last a lifetime.'

Merry Christmas to all (dads), and to all (dads) a good night. You're going to need the sleep.