Conditions in general look to be extremely encouraging in the year ahead, but you're likely to be rewarded the most when you're able to do things that everybody else has given up on.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) -- Just because an acquaintance asks to borrow something, it doesn't mean you have to loan it out. If it's something you greatly value, think twice before you say yes.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- Be sure the objectives you set for yourself represent what you truly want. If you want to make this day special, don't waste your time getting caught up in onerous tasks.

PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20) -- Be careful about assuming any new responsibilities. If you get caught up in something you don't know how to do, it could ruin the day for you and everyone involved.

ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Examine in detail a proposal or idea brought to you by someone with whom you've never had contact previously. It might work better in theory than in practice.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Someone new whom you partner up with for holiday purposes might not share the same objectives as you, yet when you start pulling together, the results could be dynamic.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) -- Just because your careful plans get bogged down is no reason to experiment with something totally untested that you know you normally wouldn't enjoy.

CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Don't take a gamble if you're uncertain of the outcome and how it might affect others. If possible, stick close to what you've always done in the past.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Major decisions that affect the entire household should not be made independently. You could overlook something really important if you act without input from your kin.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- Be exceptionally careful when working with unfamiliar tools or materials. Read the directions carefully and don't pull switches or push buttons if you don't know what the results will be.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) -- If you're contemplating buying something expensive that the family will have to live with for a long time, do a lot of comparison shopping before making a purchase.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- You could easily throw the entire household in disarray by trying to gratify your own priorities without checking to see if they interfere with anybody else's. Check with the clan first.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) -- Usually you're pretty good at keeping secrets, but what you know might be too exciting to keep to yourself. Don't ruin something fun for the others.

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