How to defuse an argument: prepare, repair or ‘let them yell it out’

A negotiator, a psychologist, a wedding planner, a conflict mediator and a maitre d’ share their hard-earned techniques for keeping the peace at Christmas

Don’t overdo alcohol – or arguments: nine ways to stay healthy and happy this Christmas

Between family feuds, open flames and warmed-up leftovers, the yuletide period can be perilous. Here’s how to keep yourself in one piece

My drag persona gave me a way to exist in the world – and a route back to the family I’d lost

For years, Ginger Johnson imagined life as a tragedy playing out – until she decided to reframe it as a comedy

Bye-bye booze! Five ways to have a fun, fabulous, totally dry Christmas

Many people want to enjoy the festivities without drinking – but come up against relentless pressure. Here is how to resist temptation

A Christmas that changed me: I ended up on all fours in A&E having my buttocks syringed

It was just a cup of steaming mint tea – but when it spilled into my lap and onto my seat, the enormous blisters were inevitable

Do you get ‘hangxiety’? How to cope with an anxious hangover

We expect a sore head after a big night out, but the accompanying anxiety is harder to cope with. Why do we get ‘prangovers’, and how do we alleviate them? We ask the experts

Are you bored yet? Kickstart that new year fitness regime ahead of the pack

From yoga to weight training, here are five quick ways to start getting back into shape

Women are still landed with far too much of the Christmas stress – here’s a 12-minute tip

Films and TV are full of images of women rushing around, while a man drinks a beer in the background, says Dora Kamau, a mindfulness meditation teacher

Growing up in a different culture doesn’t mean you can’t love Christmas too

Family traditions are what you make them says Yasmina Floyer, Christmas means honouring the people dearest to you

How to party if you’re shy, socially awkward – or just plain boring

Three writers who struggle with socialising explain how they make it through festive season