Mercury has entered Capricorn just in time to help us shape up festivities with the proper reverence for tradition. It's a fine time to go old school, researching the rules of etiquette and following tried and true advice for every problem from gift buying to culinary snafus to logistical issues. We feel better when we're confidently within social boundaries.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You dearly want to understand the mysteries of life. These secrets never reveal themselves in concrete terms, which only spurs your curiosity. Study brings vivid colors to a world that some see as black and white.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). It energizes you to think. Your best ideas come while you're walking, showering or doing the dishes. A lot of what you imagine doesn't have a direct application right now, but keep dreaming into the future.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You get antsy if you're not learning something. However, you're hesitant to commit yourself to a long educational process. Sign up for a three-hour class doing something that looks interesting. You'll meet new friends.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You are headed in a pleasing direction and all your hard work is contributing. Still, it's easy to lose sight of the end game. Develop ways to track your progress. It boosts your self-esteem to see how far you've already come.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). You would love to make a positive impression on every single person who meets you. Concentrating your conversations, jokes and little games on one receptive person at a time will elevate your spirit.

TODAY'S BIRTHDAY (DECEMBER 13). You are driven and maintain a strong sense of purpose through the year, though your major goals are likely to change in April and again in July. There are adventures to be had because you follow your love in January. Let down your hair in March; the social swirl is around you. Wedding bells ring in May. Capricorn and Virgo adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 4, 30, 1, 58, and 17.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). You bond quickly with new people. Soon after you make contact you're already encouraging a deepening of the relationship — in your own subtle way, of course. Your connection with Pisces is especially strong.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). It seems to you that everyone is probably thinking and feeling as you do, but this is not so. Your ideas and impulses are unique, and you should follow them. As Oscar Wilde said, "Be yourself, everyone else is already taken."

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). Attention is not given freely; it must be captured. You'll be the best one for the job, as you have a dynamic way of relaying the message, whatever it may be. Your stories are moving.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). Even when you're not being paid you are compelled to give of yourself and your work generously. You render service to others with a positive attitude. It brings different kinds of wealth your way.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). Trying to do too much will make you feel stressed and irritated. Adjust your task list to accommodate a day of rest. Better to joyfully succeed at doing just one thing than take on too much and fail at being nice in the process.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). You like to stay in control of your feelings and can usually stay extraordinarily calm during interpersonal drama. However, even you can't help but be emotionally tugged into the flow of today's action.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). Like a radio that's tuned to a certain frequency, you are honed in on what a loved one is going through. You can almost hear this person's thoughts. Stay connected and you'll learn how to assist.

HOLIDAY COPING STRATEGY: You can't choose your family, but you can choose your reaction to them. Here are some tips to get you through the holidays unscathed! LIBRA: Give up trying to make sure everyone is getting along and concentrate on what makes you happy. Like decorating! Get out the icing and sprinkles, the glitter glue and garlands, and holiday-ize to your heart's content. SCORPIO: The most important criterion for determining the success or failure of a gathering is how well you connect with others. Nothing else matters. So as long as you sincerely try to reach out, you'll win. SAGITTARIUS: Do it your way. Sometimes that means not being a part of certain festivities, but you have to be true to your own feelings. You're more loving when you realize that you're free. CAPRICORN: Mistakes will happen and that's part of the fun. So embrace it. The flaws lend personality to your family time together and will also be a story for the ages. AQUARIUS: Set differences aside. Also set aside expectations, grievances and your attachment to any outcome whatsoever. What you get in return is sheer happiness. PISCES: You're happy and loving when you're creative. So indulge your proclivities and explore your talents throughout the season.

CELEBRITY PROFILES: In 2008, Taylor Swift continued to earn her title as America's Sweetheart while singing her way up the music charts and looking adorable all the while. This sassy Sagittarius also won a few sympathy votes when she revealed to Ellen DeGeneres that she was dumped by Joe Jonas in 27 seconds flat. Well, even at the tender age of 19, worldly Sagittarians aren't the type to hold on to grudges.

If you would like to write to Holiday Mathis, please go to www.creators.com and click on "Write the Author" on the Holiday Mathis page, or you may send her a postcard in the mail. To find out more about Holiday Mathis and read her past columns, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.