Don't place too much emphasis on your public life. Spending time with friends and relatives who know you best will be soothing. Lately, it feels like you've been performing to an audience. Stop trying to find ways to impress people. Be still and cultivate contentment. If you're anxious, go for a massage. Take a nap. Enjoy a long soak in the tub. Staying busy will result in burnout. This is a time of year when you should be slowing down, not speeding up.

It feels like everybody else is leading glamorous lives, while you're stuck in a boring routine. Don't let yourself be consumed by jealousy. Focus on the things that are going well in your life. Make a gratitude list. The things that you focus on expand. That's why it's so important to maintain a positive outlook. If your restless energy makes it hard to sleep, create a relaxing bedtime routine. It will be easier to cultivate contentment when you are well rested.

You're worried about debts that have been accumulating over the Christmas countdown. Take control of the situation. Put your credit cards away and put yourself on a payment plan. By making regular monthly payments, you could be financially free by this time next year. That may seem like a long time, but the big day will arrive sooner than you think. Give yourself the ultimate Christmas gift of financial security. Stop feeling pressured to buy expensive gifts for friends.

You feel torn between your personal and professional lives. If you have a chance to land your dream job, you won't be able to spend much time with your amour. Explain the situation to your partner. The more prepared they are, the easier it will be to accept the changes ahead. Eventually, you'll be able to resume a normal schedule. Right now, you have to work hard to acquire important skills and get essential training. Stay focused on your career goals.

Overindulging in food and drink is taxing your system. Practice healthier habits over the festive season. You don't have to avoid delicious treats altogether. Practice moderation instead. Before going to parties, eat a healthy meal. Enjoy small portions of dessert and limit your intake of alcohol. The last thing you want is to feel terrible while everybody else is having a great time. Don't get drawn into a heated political or religious debate. Such arguments only result in hurt feelings.

You might have to work all the way up until Christmas, which is exhausting. Try not to resent the situation too much. Make plans to take a much needed break. This will make it easier get through the festivities. Instead of being consumed by resentment, you'll be anticipating a relaxing break. Resist the temptation to spend more than your budget can accommodate. You can have a wonderful time in moderately priced surroundings. Set a price limit and stick to it.

Family is getting on your nerves. You want to promote a spirit of Yuletide harmony, but that may not be possible with a troublemaker. Instead of bending over backwards for this bully, leave them to their own devices. Be discriminating about the company you keep. Expend energy on people who love, respect and help you. Keep your distance from those who are always trying to get something for nothing. Standing up for yourself will pave the way for an enjoyable Christmas.

Flattery will get you nowhere. If you want to impress somebody, work hard. Be helpful. Behave in a conscientious manner. Eventually, you'll earn the trust of a colleague and you will work well together. Are you unemployed? Be honest about your experience when applying for work. A good employer will offer additional training after they get a chance to speak with you. Making a positive impression matters more than having a list of paper qualifications as long as your arm.

Beware of spending beyond your means. Sticking to a budget will help you survive the festive season relatively unscathed. It will be easier than you think to let your grip on the purse strings slip especially as the big day draws near. Let Christmas be about loving, sharing and giving. Spend quality time preparing food, making decorations and playing games together. If you haven't sent all your cards or round robin emails give some thought about what you will be sharing with others this year.

Don't be too accommodating to a demanding relative. Although you want to be helpful, it shouldn't be to the detriment of your health and happiness. When someone doesn't show you respect, speak up. Establish strong boundaries. If you carry out an ultimatum, the manipulator in question will settle down. Instead of testing your patience, they'll be more accommodating. At that point, you can really make a positive difference. If you need help with these duties, apply to a community agency.

You're tired of being pushed into the shadows. You long to be a full participant in a project. Unfortunately, that's not possible now. Defer to authorities who have worked hard to build ties and raise funds. Eventually, you'll be able to take a more active role in the organisation. Right now, you have to establish trust. This means maintaining a humble attitude over an extended period of time. Just when you are ready to give up hope, you'll be offered a salaried position.

Don't give friends undue influence over your decisions. Just because you love and respect them doesn't mean they understand your needs. If you want to take an unconventional path, you owe it to yourself to follow this impulse. Security minded people will accuse you of being irresponsible. Turn a deaf ear to these remarks. You're a highly conscientious individual who has a tendency to be overly solicitous. This can inhibit you from fulfilling your potential.