With Christmas fast approaching, one expert has compiled a list of what contractors really want for Christmas.

Brian McDaniel, who has been a freelancer for over 15 years, writes on Freelance Folder that contractors would be much more appreciative of 12 months of on time payments than 12 drummers drumming.

Next on Mr McDaniel's list is 11 projects already scheduled: in uncertain economic times every freelancer would love to have a wealth of projects lined up, he says.

Ten fingers never tiring also makes the list, as does a nine o'clock start to the day, followed by a magic 8-ball with all the right answers to combat the many difficult decisions a contractor faces during their career.

Seven figures in annual income would also be a welcome gift, with the expert saying: "The truth is that none of us probably anticipates getting rich doing what we love, but we certainly wouldn’t take this gift back to the exchange and returns line."

On the sixth day Mr McDaniel asks for six free upgrades on design software, followed by five more minutes of sleep, four new inspirations per month, three revisions and not one more as well as two days off every weekend.

The freelancer does not want a partridge in a pear tree, says the writer, but simply just a consistent and ongoing client.

This comes after news that social media is being increasingly utilised to conduct business and networking, with one company choosing to hold their Christmas party over Twitter.