said "if anyone tells me how many more shopping days are left until Father Christmas arrives, I'll scream!'' Now being from Belize, originally that is, and having lived in the US, with an eight-year stint in Jamaica, I had not heard the term "Father Christmas'' in such a long while, I was not paying much attention to my distressed friend's minor tantrum until she yelled and out came that perpetually familiar phrase "What do I buy for...?'' And with our busy work, business and home holiday activity schedules there never seems to be enough time. Aside from getting the project done before the year-end deadline, which is a must, plus shop, buy, and or bake gifts for family and friends what needs to get done before the eve of the 25th, seems like an impossible dream.

Let's face it, it is much too late to begin making elaborate homemade gifts and there is truly no time left for catalogue mail orders because already placed orders are backlogged and due to insufficient space, the air-freight carriers are not guaranteeing any deliveries before Christmas. Last minute shopping is no fun and at this point you really don't have much choice, so for the least amount of anxiety and stress, keep it simple! Fretting? Try not to because December 25 is right around the corner and will arrive and you will be able to enjoy it better without stressing yourself out on things you don't have much control of changing at this late date. So if you have not completed your Christmas shopping, don't let it stress you out too much.

Instead, try using any of these ideas for your last minute unusual, still time left, no time consuming, gift suggestions which can be done relatively easily before the Jolly man arrives: Cut out a picture of the gift you intend to buy or an ordered gift that won't arrive on time and put it in an envelope. If you have the time, buy a nice card and write a warm, thoughtful note.

Wrap up a picture of an unfinished project, send it along -- and relax.

Order a floral arrangement locally or send one internationally by wire.

Cigars Around The World is a cigar of the month club. Membership ranges from 2-12 months for only $24.95 per month. Call 1800-FRESH-66 or visit them at www.cigarsaroundtheworld.com.

Need a gift for a relative or a child? Give them a certificate or coupon for an outing of their choice. If you are feeling generous, why not give them 12 coupons -- one for each month of the coming year.

For a mere $39, send international friends, interested in Bermuda's happenings, an 11-month subscription of RG Magazine.

Need a special gift for the "star'' of your life? Name a star after someone you love. Call 1800-528-STAR and for $55.90 the Ministry of Federal Star Registration will match a visible unnamed star with the name you provide. The recipient receives a package containing a gift card, letter of congratulations, certificate and location charts.

Telephone cards are a great idea for college students or for people who travel a lot.

If money is tight this year, plant some bulbs in a decorative container.

Ceramica Bermuda in St. George's have a great sale on ceramic flower pots.

For that special adult mate, get creative, give an uncharacteristic exotic gift.

When giving gifts from Internet web sites, print out information, sign seal and deliver -- gift shopping finito.

Buying a distinctive gift for a special someone can be a challenging chore and, for some of us, even an apprehensive labour of love. Next year forget about the customary neckties and chocolates, for with a little creativity and proper planning, your family, colleagues and friends can eagerly look forward to your holiday gifts. No matter what the size of your budget, early planning can make your gift giving much more pleasurable, and take the last minute panicking stress out of your chronic last minute habitual holiday schedule.

Organised preparations will give you managed time to enjoy the festive season with ease. Try some of these gift-giving advance planning tips: Start a list early in the year of the people you plan to give a gift and don't forget service people and co-workers.

Whenever travelling or shopping during the year, even if it's in April or June, and you see a gift you think would be perfect for someone on your list, buy it! Remember though, when making advance purchases, it is important to note in your diary and/or planner who the gift is for and where it is hidden or stored.

Throughout the year make gift purchases via in store promotional sales and catalogue sales. You can save a bundle.

Try your best to avoid last minute panic buying! And when in doubt, most gladly accepts the good old unemotional, hard cash or a gift certificate.

"American Express will do nicely, thank you!'' is what Tina and the girls prefer. The boys well, they just want to have fun! If you have a particular organisational concern you would like to see addressed, please send it to my attention c/o The Royal Gazette .

Cindy Swan is a Professional Organiser with over 20 years of office administrative managerial experience and a member of the National Association of Professional Organisers. Her column appears appears in the Business section on the first and third Thursday of each month.

Cindy Swan answers questions only through the column. Address inquiries to Cindy Swan, PO Box 304, St. George's GEBX or email her at bermudagolf yibl.bm