'Tis the season to be jolly!

Fiona Gibson's 12 cracking tips to help you put the ho ho ho back into Christmas

It may be a time of peace and goodwill, but I’m sure it’s not just me who feels more than capable of blowing a gasket during The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year. The good news is that there are some fun ways to combat Yuletide tensions. Having a sense of humour is key to coping with many stressful situations, says Cognitive Behavioural Therapist Navit Schechter (consciousandcalm.com). ‘Laughter releases the hormone oxytocin, which makes us feel more content and connected to others,’ she explains.

A good old titter can break the ice, ease tension and generally make everyone feel all warm and fuzzy – but how can you inject some hilarity into the proceedings this Christmas? Try these tips for starters.

1 SHARE YOUR CHRISTMAS CATASTROPHES

Last year, my friends and I set up a WhatsApp group to celebrate our kitchen disasters. Highlights included incinerated mince pies, a veggie pie without a filling, and a much-loved cat tucking into the fish pie while everyone was enjoying drinks next door. Our conversation thread soon filled with pics of Nigella looking suitably appalled, and it turned out to be a festive highlight.

2 LISTEN TO SOMETHING FUNNY