Occasionally it's worth keeping your mouth shut and watching other people's reactions. What's beneficial about going along with the group and supporting their endeavours is the impression you are making on those in senior positions. In particular if this relates to working affairs take a back seat and watch what goes on. This is also a good way to work out the best people for a job that's coming up in the future.

A friend or colleague might give you a useful tip or two during the course of a casual conversation. It's worth accepting an invitation to a business festive function when this could be the opportunity you've been looking for to make some useful contacts. Improving your social graces will open new doors. It pays to be friendly and charming if this is what it takes to attract new business your way. Thanks to a timely offer, you are about to enter exalted circles.

Make yourself approachable if you sense a friend or colleague has something bothering them. When someone you care for is acting strangely, you aren't doing them or your friendship any favours by ignoring this. High levels of intuition help you sense when other people need a listening ear or shoulder to cry on. As well as being sensitive and perceptive you will also be taking some proactive steps to keep life running smoothly.

Aim to have a lazy morning and avoid anything that sounds too strenuous. It isn't your fault if you feel under the weather but you will be annoyed by those who accuse you of overdoing the festivities. Take the rest you need early in the day and from noon onwards you should notice a change for the better. There will be plenty of opportunities to push yourself later on but it is more likely you will prefer to take it easy for most of the day.

Accept changes are necessary and take up the challenges coming your way if you want to get ahead. You will not be pleased with yourself as the year ends if someone else grabs an offer or opportunity which should have gone to you. There should be no hesitation and don't think you haven't got what it takes to make a go of something new. Be creative in your thinking and if someone says can do it, let their belief inspire you!

Someone at home has been cooking up some plans to make changes; you wish they'd discussed these with you. You won't object to their ideas but you feel they have a terrible sense of timing. Rather than going out on a limb and telling the world how to do things, it would be wise, today, to heed the advice or good counsel given by a close friend or relative. A certain person's strange behaviour could be down to a recent upset or disappointment and they could do with a little understanding.

If some areas of your life or relationships are going stale, now's your chance to do something about it. Accept all party invitations coming your way that might give you the chance to widen your social circle. Think about making changes and even if venturing down new pathways isn't something you relish, this is what you have to do in order to get out of a rut. Things can't stay the same forever and this festive season is the ideal time for new starts.

Be quick to settle any differences, however slight, with those closest to you. If you leave the house this morning hardly on speaking terms with a loved one, make a point of calling them later or send them a text message to let them know you regret the squabble. Agree to disagree if necessary. This Christmas you will crave peace and cooperation within the family so make a start now on keeping things harmonious.

Money and business matters are both highlighted today in a pleasing way. The chance of putting in some overtime will bring in a little extra cash for Christmas. Or you might be able to capitalise on an innate talent in your workplace and suddenly new job opportunities will come out of this. Whatever occurs, it need not be a one off opportunity. The opening is there for you to include this as a regular means of increasing your future income.

Some confusion early in the day will have a lot to do with someone else's carelessness or neglect. You're inclined to leave them to sort out their own problems. Even so you shouldn't be surprised to find others are constantly coming to you for advice and guidance. Slowly they will drag you into their concerns. The only way to get on without this kind of distraction will be to make a quick exit! But if people need your help your conscience may not allow you to turn away.

You want to achieve more than usual in less time than usual and you will succeed too! Whether this is at home or at work, a team spirit will help you get some jobs out of the way very quickly. It could come as quite a revelation to notice how everything seems so much easier when one other person in particular is involved. You are starting to respect their knowledge, skills or experience and will realise you could learn a lot from them in the future.

An ongoing financial problem will not be made any easier if you overspend this Christmas. Make a point of clearing away any outstanding debts before going off on a Christmas shopping spree. Get your housemates together and revise your domestic budget. Be sure everyone is willing to pay their share. It is easier to see where you stand once the situation has been reviewed and everyone who has a say in the matter is involved.