IT’S just two weeks to the big day, so it’s time to take stock and make sure you are on course for a well organised festive holiday.

If you haven’t written your Christmas cards yet, set aside an evening to do this, and then put them in the post as soon as you can.

This weekend is a good time to buy your tree. In response to the increased cost of trees imported from Europe, the British Christmas Tree Growers Association is assuring its customers that for the 2008 Christmas season there will be more than enough real trees available from UK sources to meet demand.

It says that greater transportation costs will most likely lead to an increase in costs for British grown trees, but the range of species is wide and the varying sizes mean that there will be a tree suitable for every pocket.

The BCTGA advises that cut trees should be fresh when purchased. The needles should not be dull and dried up, the branches should not be brittle and the outer needles should not fall off, if the tree is gently shaken.

After you have bought your tree, it should be kept outside in a cool shaded place, preferably standing in water, until it is required indoors. Before bringing the tree indoors, it helps if about half an inch is cut off the butt in order to open up the pores of the tree.

Mount it in a water-holding stand, or wedge it in a bucket with pebbles, small stones or screwed up newspaper, and place it away from direct heat.

Keep the container topped up with water every day; you will be surprised how much it needs.

During your tree buying trip, check out the festive wreaths available.

When you have chosen the one you prefer, hang it on your front door to welcome your festive visitors.

This is also a good weekend to buy and collect evergreens and other foliage for Christmas decorations and floral arrangements.

You should also think about ordering non-perishable foods, and order flowers to be delivered next week.

And make sure you have that hair appointment booked in time for the festive parties, along with taxi bookings so that you can enjoy yourself without worrying about driving.

This weekend would also be a good time to see if there are any improvements you can make in the house, before the influx of festive visitors.

When you are happy that no more work needs doing, you can get to work decorating the tree and the rest of the house, ready for the social whirl that is Christmas.

Preparation is definitely the key to a less stressful Yuletide, so it makes sense to spread all the outstanding festive tasks over the next fortnight.