Christmas can be a stressful time of the year for any parent.

But spare a thought for Tania Sullivan, who has had 12 stockings to fill for her large brood today.

The Hoo supermum, who is seven months' pregnant with baby number 13, started getting ready early.

"Preparing for Christmas 2013 began as soon as Christmas 2012 was over," she said.

"With 12 children it helps to be organised and with so many presents to buy I start looking for bargains in the January sales."

She then keeps track off all her purchases on a spreadsheet.

Christmas Day begins early for Mrs Sullivan, who wakes at 5am to dress and feed twins Libby and Anna, 26 months, and 13-month-old Isobel.

Present-opening will not start until husband Mike, 39, and children Ben, 20, Stephanie, 19, Caitlin, 14, Harry, 10, Eddie, eight, Sid, seven, Paddy, six, Oliver, four, and Joseph are all awake.

"Christmas with kids is always magical," said Mrs Sullivan, 37. "They look as though they might burst.

"With so many presents to buy, Mike and I don't really give each other anything, apart from maybe something small like a book."

The family, who refuse to rely on handouts, spend about £2,000 on Christmas, which includes around £200 on food and drink.

"The kids don't watch much TV so they're not really swayed by toy adverts," said Mrs Sullivan.

"They know not to bother even asking for iPads and that kind of thing."