Q. Does anyone bother to go to work during Christmas week anymore? I have been put on hold for ages every time I make a call. If I hear one more Burl Ives Christmas number while I’m waiting, I will hurl. Has it always been like this and I somehow didn’t notice? — Bah!

Dear Humbug: No, there was a time when everyone worked between Thanksgiving and New Year’s with only Christmas Day off. But that changed when voice-mail came into vogue, allowing all of us to sneak out and shop. This year, however, you are on hold more often because employees everywhere are busy updating resumes and filling out paperwork for mortgage forbearances. You might try the chocolate-for-keyword trick. Every time the Muzak blares the word “jingle” or “ho” or “reindeer,” pop a chocolate in your mouth. It helps.

– O!Connor