Ho ho … hum? The Grinch may not have stolen Christmas, but it DOES feel like the holiday spirit is kinda low-key this year. That’s because communication planet Mercury has been retrograde (moving backward) in jolly, expansive Sagittarius since November 23. It’s like someone hit the “mute” button on the seasonal joy, making things a little less festive, and perhaps even adding friction to your relationships. Mercury retrograde is also known for causing technology breakdowns (hello, mysterious server crashes and dead cell phones), misunderstandings and travel delays. This retrograde in outspoken Sagittarius may have sparked a few foot-in-mouth moments. Did you blurt too much at the office cocktail mixer or overshare at the Thanksgiving dinner table?

Good news, disappointed revelers: On Tuesday the 13th, Mercury goes direct (forward), making things all holly-jolly again. The volume turns up on our enthusiasm and holiday spirit. Haven’t rolled out those garlands, paper dreidels and Kwanzaa candles yet? Break out the cookie cutters and tacky tinsel! Crank up the music or sing some holiday songs while you decorate. It’s not too late to celebrate — far from it. Mercury is in happy-go-lucky Sagittarius for the rest of the year, so let’s get this party started.