A short spell of tension is likely; you might feel you're in a tug of war with your partner and your boss. The rope is unfortunately in favour of the other side. Whether your partner's trying to persuade you to fall in with their family's festive plans or your boss wants you to put in some extra hours over Christmas, you might feel your resolve is starting to crumble. This could be a good time to stand back and analyse the way you're currently handling your relationships.

Something occurs today and it will help you re charge your Christmas spirit. You might witness an act of kindness which restores your faith in human nature. It may not be chestnuts roasting or sleigh bells ringing, this Christmas, but what you are experiencing is an increased spirit of goodwill. You could expand this by doing some genuine good for others and as you reach out to those in need, this might also change the way you spend the holidays in the future.

If you haven't drawn up a budget for food, cards, drinks and presents, you might be regretting it now. You probably make the same mistake every year and it's hardly surprising you always end up broke in January. Before you do anything else, make a shopping list and stick to it; don't get tempted by any extras. You can still save cash without cutting back on fun and it isn't too late to take a more sensible attitude to your spending.

Your partner or another loved one is acting more like a Scrooge than a Santa. You understand their desire to watch their spending but you also know they can afford to be more generous. If it's falling onto you to fork out on joint gifts and they aren't contributing, keep receipts and ask for their share. Christmas wouldn't be so much pressure or so stressful if you and someone you live with were more able to see eye to eye.

If you're feeling the pinch this Yule, you can still give without spending a lot of money. Think about giving with your heart and your time; you might volunteer to help organisations who need it or visit the elderly. You've always had a generous spirit and you will find more joy in the one moment of giving that costs you just a few hours or a few days but nothing financially. You should also make relaxation and meditation a part of your daily routine this Christmas.

There are genuine reasons why you've decided to make a few changes in your festive arrangements. You aren't being 'bah humbug' as someone might accuse, you are simply trying to plan a stress free Christmas. If this means avoiding in-laws or members of your own family who always cause tension or contention, you aren't being unreasonable by doing so. A compromise may involve spending a few hours in a certain person's company rather than a few days!

There may be disagreements within the home over how Christmas is going to be celebrated. Some housemates may not want all the trappings of the season while others won't be happy unless there's a tree, decorations, candles and twinkling lights. The answer will be to compromise. After all, the adornments are just the wrapping paper. Enjoy it and enjoy the gift inside: the love you have for each other. A tolerant spirit will help keep you all happy.

If you're working to a budget this Noel, keep decorations cheap and cheerful. You don't have to transform your place into something out of the Yuletide edition of Homes and Gardens. You might find plenty of twinkling decorations to bring your home alive with a true Christmas spirit without costing you a fortune. Be creative, use your imagination and you could have a lot of fun adding colour to your abode.

Instead of turning down someone's suggestions or ideas out of hand, ask for some thinking time. Even if you aren't keen on the idea and you're unlikely to go along with it at least this will give you a chance to come up with more logical objections. You could be asked to stand in for someone when a friend's partner lets them down at the last minute. Since they could have included you earlier, you aren't sure whether to feel pleased or offended by the invitation.

A meaningful discussion makes you realise a partner or loved one doesn't really understand you. Today marks the start of a turning point in this relationship. If you haven't been entirely honest with each other you might both admit it and make promises to be more open in the future. Honesty includes being truthful about your feelings so if you're only lukewarm about some Christmas plans, now is the time to say so!

Your zest helps cheer up everyone who's around you who is starting to feel under pressure. Laughing at difficulties rather than letting them get you down motivates others to look on the bright side too. In group and family situations, you're the one who seems to keep that little bit of joy inside you even amidst all the stress. Your energy and enthusiasm won't wane either. From the start to the end of the day your presence cheers up everyone around.

Wear comfortable shoes if you have left it until today to do the bulk of your Christmas shopping. Expect to stand in long queues and it might be a long trek from the outer edge of the car park to the shops. Public transport could be delayed and will be crowded. Sore feet, aching back and a headache will be the stressful result. Be kind to yourself and enjoy a wee treat at the end of the day. This will lift your spirits and you will be able to show consideration to others too.