The hardest things to master at Christmas – including making delicious sprouts and faking enthusiasm for gifts

While the elements most difficult to get right are working out what to buy for family members, wrapping awkwardly shaped objects – and getting the roast dinner timings spot-on.

Research of 2,000 adults who celebrate the holiday revealed making the right amount of food and not giving in to stress when things go wrong also made the top 50 list.

And 13 per cent reckon it’s impossible to stick to a budget when it comes to buying presents.

The research was commissioned by Tesco as part of its campaign to #Standforjoy this Christmas, which has appointed a panel of Advisors to ‘The Christmas Party’ – the tongue-in-cheek party featured in its festive advert – to help the nation’s festivities run smoothly.

Some of the advisory roles include a ‘Master of Mains’ - able to perfect a Christmas dinner, and a ‘Chief Sip’ who has a cocktail for everyone and will be filled by TV barman, Merlin Griffiths.

Alessandra Bellini, from the supermarket, said: “Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for many, but that’s not to say that people couldn’t do with an extra little help now and then.

“Our research shows that many people want to make Christmas particularly special this year, but it also highlighted the demand for some guidance on some very specific festive topics.”

The nation's mission to make the perfect Christmas dinner

The study also found one in 10 adults struggle to make good gravy at Christmas, and the same amount find it difficult to keep the dinner table conversation on the right track.

Other areas of Christmas which are hardest to master include doing the big food shop, keeping the turkey nice and moist and finding delicious meat-free alternatives.

But 41 per cent are aiming to make sure this year’s celebration is extra special, and 31 per cent will be staying home and hosting more due to the current climate.

Although 30 per cent wish more people would help them out when it comes to hosting.

In an ideal world, 27 per cent would like help decorating their home on a budget, 24 per cent would like assistance pairing Christmas dinner with exactly the right drinks, and 21 per cent want a dedicated gravy-helper to make sure it’s in perfect form.

Alessandra Bellini, from Tesco, which is inviting the public to join the ‘party’ by sharing the role they deserve with the chance to win £100 towards their Christmas shop, added: “We’ve appointed a panel of six advisors to The Christmas Party as part of our mission to stand for joy this season.

“Their hints and tips will be shared with the nation to help the festivities run smoothly.