They call it the season to be merry, but the weeks leading up to Christmas can be so stressful that we end up in festive meltdown.

Christmas shopping is a strain on mind, body and credit cards, then comes the endless wrapping-up, not to mention cards to write, Christmas tree to trim, mince pies to bake, turkey to stuff, parties to plan.

It's no wonder the festive period is seen as a testing time. A staggering 80 per cent of people admit to being affected by Christmas stress, yet it's a time when we feel we should be having endless fun.

We should be kissing under the mistletoe, singing along to carols, roasting chestnuts, unwrapping fabulous gifts, pulling crackers and engaging in general all-round merriment for the 12 days they call Christmas.

The reality is often much bleaker, with marriage break-ups, family rows and anxiety-related illnesses traditionally more likely to occur during the festive season.

Females feel the brunt of it, according to the survey. While one third of women feel they're turning crackers at Christmas one month before the big day, male stress levels tend to peak just a week before December 25.

New You Gov research, in association with the International Stress Management Association, has identified key Christmas stresses.

Topping the list is buying gifts, followed by family arguments, with one in four of 18 to 24-year-olds citing family fall-out as their worst festive fear. Bickering over what to watch on TV was another stress factor for 20 per cent of those surveyed.

Wrapping gifts gets stress levels soaring - and the older women get the worse it is, with 31 per cent of grandmothers finding it stressful compared to an average 19 per cent overall.

"I can feel myself stressing out as soon as my children open the first window on their advent calendar," says mum-of-two Sarah Moore, 39, of Thornton.

"When I was in my twenties December brought parties and fun. Now it brings headaches and a stress rash. Like most women I know, I spend this time of year constantly ticking off to-do' lists.

"I always intend to start Christmas shopping early but it never happens so I race around the shops like a headless chicken. I'm in denial about my credit cards.

"Present-wrapping is fun to start with, especially if there's something good on telly, but it soon becomes a tedious chore.

"Don't get me started on writing Christmas cards! I'd be tempted to send round-robin email messages instead of posting cards if it wasn't for the fact that I hate email cards because I can't display them on my mantlepiece so I'd never inflict them on anyone else."

How does she cope with the big day itself? "I grit my teeth and get through it," says Sarah. "I haven't planned my food shopping yet. I'm having the family round, I'll be sweating over the Christmas dinner while they're all cracking open the wine. I've got a headache just thinking about it!"

As Christmas draws nearer, stress levels soar and your blood boils hotter than mulled wine. All this can have serious implications for long-term mental health.

"Anxiety, irritability and moodiness are emotional responses to stress," says Charles Linden, author of new book Stress Free in 30 Days.

"As a reaction to stress you may develop anxiety, panic attacks, headaches, insomnia or phobias.

"There are simple measures to help keep stress at bay. From planning presents to shopping online to avoid the retail rush, these things can help you cope with this busy time."

If you're feeling super-stressed by the Christmas run-up, take Charles Linden's five key steps to combat Christmas panic:

  • Get finances organised. "Financial worry is one of the biggest causes of stress," says Charles. "Sticking to a Christmas budget can seriously reduce your money worries and stress levels."
  • Treat yourself. "One of the best stress-busters is spending time on your appearance," Charles recommends. "A quick salon blow dry or face pack can be uplifting. Better still, take time out for a mince pie and sherry.
  • Avoid Power Sappers.' "Is there someone on your Christmas card list who leaves you feeling depressed and miserable? They're Power-Sappers - avoid them at all costs!" Charles advises.
  • Take a break from Christmas preparations. Go for a walk, lose yourself in a book or settle down with a good DVD.
  • Be nice to yourself. "Concentrate on what you're good at and give yourself a mental pack on the back."