As we speculate about whether it will snow on the 25^th, or whether Santa will fill our stockings this year, one thing remains certain. Throughout the winter, we will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week – including Christmas and New Year's Day - to offer advice, counselling and coaching to teachers on the phone and online.

We hope that you can enjoy a well-earned break from the classroom to catch up with friends, spend quality time with your family or relax any other way you wish, and we'll be here for you if you want a helping hand. Don't hesitate to call the support line, email us, or use our website while you're away. We even have a range of online factsheets to help in the festive season.

Despite any amount of forward planning, this time of year can be difficult financially. These factsheets may help if you are struggling to find the pennies for your prezzies and heating bills or if you have fears for the year ahead.

• Money makeover - making the most of your money
• Personal budget planner
• Tips and advice on budgeting
• Have yourself a debt free little Christmas

We hope that you can put your feet up and start 2010 afresh, but problems can also play on the mind or even heighten during the period away. If you have any concerns, stresses or anxieties about the people who you'll be with during the holidays, those you'll be leaving behind at school, or indeed your workload or home-load, we're here for you.

• Seven types of difficult people
• Starting difficult conversations: asking for support
• Stress - understanding stress and dealing with it

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