Five things (some) people always forget to do before Christmas morning!

"Mammy, I need batteries!"

We all dread it when we hear this on Christmas morning and the multi-purpose drawer in the kitchen has nothing resembling a functioning battery in it.

And where is the nearest garage - and do you really want to get out of your snuggy pyjamas?!

Therefore, it's not too late to tick off the following niggly items on your Christmas check-list:

1. Batteries!

Make sure you have the Double-As and Triple-As and the little flat ones that go into miniature toys.

2. Wash the car!

Everybody's vehicle looks filthy this time of year with dirty roads - so give it a spruce up and have it shining for December 25.

3. Milk!

It's one of those essential groceries that we're bound to forget while we run around getting turkeys and hams and Brussels sprouts!

4. Petrol or diesel! Also to do with cars, fill the tank up before Christmas Eve to make sure you've one less thing to worry about. Yes, many garages may be pen but not everybody lives in a town like Newbridge or Leixlip.

6. Alcohol!

It might seem like an obvious one - but we don't mean cans of Heineken or bottles of white.

It's Uncle Joe or Aunty Bridget or the neighbour you only see once a year who will ONLY drink a little glass of sherry or a measure of Black Bush or a small Baileys. It's a nice touch if you can remember!