Ah, to be back at home for christmas. The fully stocked fridge, the comfort of your own bed, and the festive adornments like the fairy lights scattered around the house and the christmas tree in the living room. But is it possible to enjoy christmas and successfully write my dissertation proposal?

The knowledge that christmas is coming, but more so that I have no exams in the january exam season, pushes me to work harder at this time – then there will be no guilt factor later on! I like to set myself a routine, getting up at 9:30 and setting myself two-hour work sessions throughout the day. No matter what, I must work through those two hours. No distractions.

Complete this twice more and I’m finished by five, ready to make a brew and put on Pointless on the telly (I hope geography questions come up). After this time, I disengage my academic brain and think christmas: to-do list for christmas shopping, social events to plan, and so on.

Ways to make work hours more enjoyable? Listen to the good old christmas favourites in the background; make yourself a nice warm drink and have a mince pie; food for thought, if you will. Who said work and festivities can’t mix?