What’s hot: Mahalia. What’s not: Umbrellas

What’s hot

Baked apples for breakfast Deep comfort in dark December

LED lights Sequins are for sartorial wimps, say designers such as Zac Posen

To be a teen, or anyone, in Sweden Every 16-year-old boy and girl gets a copy of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists

Sparkly legs You don't need to buy another LBD – just stick a pair of gold tights on underneath Last laugh Practise restraint with annual leave during the year and take three weeks at Christmas

Singing in a choir Now's the perfect time to join with all that choral inspiration around us

Mahalia The 17-year-old UK singer stole the show at this year's Other Voices festival in Dingle. Get used to the name, you'll be hearing it a lot

That's practical Hotels that offer make-up removal wipes with shampoo and conditioner

What’s not

Pastel spring collections on display No. Way too confusing

Umbrellas Useless in the wind, great for annoying other people on the path. Buy a decent hat and coat instead.

Morning-after hangover from series OD Being too wired to sleep leads to puffy eyes and groggy mind. Just address that book mountain by your bed instead

Job rejection letter language Telling you that "you're considered unappointable" – as if you didn't feel bad enough

Ads for 2016 fitness wear and New Year specials in gyms Can we not just enjoy the gluttony for now?