Even if you have to be blunt, don't allow phone calls or unexpected visitors to take up all of your time. Neither should you become too obsessed with catching up on any outstanding chores. You will miss being ideally placed to take on new challenges or opportunities. Chances are a colleague or another person is more driven than you realise; they could grab an offer which should have gone to you.

Already you're starting to feel the financial pinch; keep firm control over the amount being spent this Christmas. This doesn't mean missing out on having a good time, just knowing when to stop. Someone you were hoping to meet won't be in the place you might think. Other people don't seem to be following their usual routines and this could get confusing. Steer clear of impulsive friends.

There's success to be achieved from thinking along unconventional lines. Dare to be different in your work and pleasure activities. As long as you don't allow your imagination to run away with you completely, you could turn ideas into something more concrete. An unexpected invitation will give you the chance to spend time with old friends or colleagues in a new situation. Personal affairs will be affected by a partner's sudden decision.

Someone's keen to get your views on a private problem they're having to deal with. Or you might be dragged into secret plans you'd rather not be involved in. Allow anyone to pressure you into anything that goes against your conscience and you won't like the resulting chaos and confusion. Even if you're sure you can trust someone, things could backfire on you when it turns out they haven't told you everything.

A group member refuses to go along with plans being suggested. Rather than looking on them as being awkward or seeing it as a put down, encourage them to offer an alternative. You may discover you prefer their ideas to your own. Colleagues and those in positions of power are starting to appreciate you for who you are as well as for what you've achieved. Moderation is necessary where entertainment is concerned.

Your living space is getting too crowded for your liking. You're thinking ahead to the coming festivities and might wish you had more room around you. A big clear up about the house doesn't sound out of the question but the idea won't be to the liking of your housemates. This isn't a major crisis. You'll just get on without their help! A business proposition needs careful thought.

Aim to enjoy an outing of some description today or over the next few days. A breath of fresh air and different surroundings will help clear the mental cobwebs. There are a lot of people telling you what you want and what you should do; you need to make your own mind up. Staying in the one place brings frustration when there are a dozen interruptions and minor adjustments that need to be made before anything goes smoothly.

Word finally comes your way about a change in financial arrangements. You thought this was never going to happen and had almost given up hope. Already you have been through a challenging and harrowing time and more changes are ahead. What you could do is make things more comfortable for yourself by dealing with issues that may crop up in the future. See to them now and they will be less of a problem.

It might seem like you need a new direction in life in order to fulfil certain personal aims. Or you might find your goals have changed due to recent unexpected circumstances. Whatever the reason, accepting rather than ignoring the need to bring about changes in your personal life will make it easier for you to make them happen. The time is right for fixing your mind firmly on the future.

Sharing time with a sulky partner or loved one isn't your idea of fun but you may have no choice about it! You could probably do with showing someone a little more consideration. Emotions are heated, tempers run high and there's a strong likelihood of a major confrontation. Someone has to make an effort to stay calm. A close association could be put on an entirely different footing after today's joint experiences.

Someone might try to pin you down but your eyes are firmly fixed on the horizon. Even if the picture is confused and uncertain, you're determined not to take the easy way out and choose the less risky option. It's doubtful anyone will be able to stop you if there are new avenues you want to explore. Even so, you'll be grateful for advice from a person you respect who has been through this already.

You might have to pay out more than you should for a joint venture when costs seem to have gone up considerably. This may be related to the people you work with. You won't want to rock the career boat by grumbling too loudly but you are disappointed by someone's careless choices. Being impulsive at work is unwise too. Try to get business and financial affairs in better order.