A SHAKESPEAREAN SURVIVAL GUIDE THIS CHRISTMAS

Worried about those awkward Christmas customs this festive season? Fret no longer, the Royal Shakespeare Company has delved into its photo archive to offer up some Shakespearean survival tips.

1. When you face that unwanted kiss under the mistletoe…

Photo by Angus McBean © RSC / Via rsc.org.uk

Grin and bear it. Or grimace and bear it.

2. When you hear Wizzard’s ‘I Wish It Could Be Christmas Everyday’ for the seventh time that afternoon…

Photo by Reg Wilson © RSC / Via rsc.org.uk

Breathe. It’ll all be over soon. And then ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is headed your way.

3. When you can’t fit into your Christmas party outfit after eating too many mince pies…

Photo by Angus McBean © RSC / Via rsc.org.uk

Suck it in. Friends can help.

4. When you’re feeling a bit ‘delicate’ post-Christmas party…

Photo by Keith Pattison © RSC. / Via rsc.org.uk

Deflect attention. Remind everyone about Derek in Finance’s dodgy dancing while you recover with copious coffee.

5. When your boyfriend gets you the latest celebrity fitness DVD as a gift…

Photo by Angus McBean © RSC / Via rsc.org.uk

Take tips from Titus. Serve him up in a calorie-laden pie.

6. When your Great Aunt June says something questionable about politics over Christmas lunch…

Photo by Ellie Kurttz © RSC / Via rsc.org.uk

Eat another sprout and keep schtum. She’ll be asleep on the sofa in an hour anyway.

7. When you’re still waiting for that New Year’s Eve invitation…

Photo by Angus McBean © RSC / Via rsc.org.uk

Style it out solo. New Year’s Eve is overrated anyway. Plus you’ll gain massive brownie points watching the fireworks on TV with your Mum.