“I love party season, but inevitably end up burning out if I overcommit socially. So I try to keep at least two evenings free a week – and never, EVER make plans for a Monday night. Instead, I go straight home from work and cook a hearty dinner like this veggie moussaka (it makes loads of leftovers, which is ideal for post-pub snacking later in the week), before curling up in front of the TV: I’m currently catching up on Gold Digger on BBC One. Once I’ve recharged with an early night, I’m ready to hit the town once more.” 

“Swapping my high-pressured job with an equally stressful environment over the festive season isn’t exactly revitalising, so I tend to escape the UK for a few weeks. This Christmas I’m going back to Amsterdam, where my favourite way to unwind is strolling around Nine Streets for people-watching and vintage shopping (Laura Dols is a gem). I plan on sipping coffee while finally reading Donatella Della Ratta’s Shooting a Revolution, before heading to the beautiful Vondelpark for a meander alongside the Dutch – who have perfected the work-life balance.” 

“There comes a point every winter when I reach peak cold paranoia: antibac hand gel is hurriedly applied after every Tube journey, Berocca replaces my morning cuppa, and I start mainlining carrot, apple and ginger juice. While I’m sceptical about the effectiveness of the first two, I swear I have avoided several colds thanks to this magic potion. I love Riverford Organic Farmers’ recipe, but Tossed’s version keeps the sniffles at bay if I don’t have time to make it myself.”

“I shop mindfully, but still get that weird anxiety that comes from years of panic-buying stuff I don’t need in the Christmas sales. So now, I save anything I’ve had my eye on to my wish lists (like this Ganni dress and these Toast gloves), then when the discounts hit I’ll check it – and those are the only bargains I’ll put in my basket. And for festive money stress in general, I’m about to start using the Yolt app – it lets you see all your accounts and savings in one place at a glance.”

“I get cabin fever spending too much time indoors, so to prevent unnecessary arguments with my family over the remote, I make sure I get my daily quota of daylight every day with a walk. I’m currently listening to The Adam Buxton Podcast – it’s hilarious, thought-provoking and the perfect accompaniment for winter ramblings, even if you’re just looping the block a few times. Have more time on your hands? I recommend getting a National Trust membership for endless inspiration wherever you are in the UK.”