The approach of Christmas may fill many with dread for one reason, and one reason only - the work Christmas party.
Although this is something we all should enjoy and look forward to - getting a chance to socialise with the people we spend every day of our working lives with - it doesn't always work out that way.
Many people, for whatever reason, simply don't fancy a 'night on the town' with their colleagues and for them the yearly office party is approached with a distinct lack of enthusiasm.
We are fortunate in Fermanagh that there is such a wide choice of places to go for a Christmas party or Christmas night out. The town, and indeed the county, are full of fantastic hotels, wonderful restaurants and more than enough bars and clubs to satisfy any requirements.
But herein lies a big problem with the festive 'knees up' - where to go?
The young ones will more than likely fancy one of the many, and hugely popular, Christmas Party Nights run by the majority of the local hotels.
These nights are popular because they provide a 'one stop shop' for the Christmas party - you get fed, can have a few drinks and then there is entertainment to allow you to dance the night away.
However, these might be a little rowdy for some in your workplace, and more than likely these colleagues would rather a meal in one of Enniskillen's fine restaurants.
This option offers fine food, and fine wine in slightly more relaxed surroundings with the option of moving on to one of the town's many lively bars, or perhaps a disco / club later.
The main thing to remember, whether you are a fan of the Christmas party or not, that it's just another night out and, more importantly, you will have to work with these people every day next year so be on your best behaviour.
The only survival guide required for the Christmas party is this; if you don't want to go, or you know you're going to end up making an idiot out of yourself, just don't go - make your excuses politely.
And if you are heading out this Christmas there's plenty to look forward to including everyone dressed up to the nines, some good food and some great craic as the Christmas season really gets swinging.
