Overcome with dread at this time of year? Read Amaya Lopez's daily guide to coping with Christmas

Christmas Schmitmas… Yes, it’s that ‘deck the tree with boughs of holly’ time of year again, guaranteed to have most of you reaching for the bottle before you can say “Bah humbug”.

What the devil’s the matter with you all? Show some Christmas spirit, goddamit, and if you just can’t face it, here’s how to get through the festive season without being labelled a party pooper…

To help you survive the Christmas spirit we will continue to offer advice in the run up to the big day. First up... decorations.

Decorations. Some colleagues are just so keen on making the office look “Christmassy” that they will go to any lengths to do so. Don’t be surprised if you arrive one morning to find even the computers swathed in multi-coloured tinsel and paper angels swinging from the light fittings. Just stay cool and smile sweetly. Sometimes it’s easier to say to these people “Yes, okay, I’ll contribute £1 so that you can buy a small Christmas tree for the office” – to ensure the festiveness will be contained. One word of warning: steer clear of any colleagues wearing bauble earrings.

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