An introvert's guide to surviving the festive cheer

Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year for extroverts, but the introverts among us can struggle with packed parties, endless small talk and disruptions to our routine. We ask experts for their advice

Aoife Lenox: "I can find the sheer volume of events and the noise, crowds, and big nights out completely overwhelming."

Festive gatherings are already in full swing. For many, the next few weeks are scheduled to be a social whirlwind of staff parties, family gatherings, cocktails with colleagues, and get-togethers with friends.

Some will be excited at the prospect of so many opportunities to socialise over the holiday season. But there are others for whom the thought of all this carousing is enough to make them consider Christmas one of their least favourite times of the year.