We could get serious, take a problem solving approach and find reading material to make us more informed and encourage us to action. Perhaps you would not normally browse the sections' on Society, Politics and Philosophy or Business, Finance and Law but you may be surprised to find some really interesting books. We have a huge collection of writings and not all of them heavy and academic but still from serious analysts, such as Robert Peston, entrepreneurs such as Richard Branson or Warren Buffett (authorised biography) and philanthropists such as George Soros, who have a lifetimes experience of understanding the current situation from differing vantage points.

Alternatively we can enjoy living in denial, switch off for the holidays, have a jolly good laugh and not worry about it all until next year. Search through our Humour section and try Ripley's Believe it or Not 2009, for a fascinatingly grisly selection of grossly unusual toe-curling facts, as well as many other really funny books or maybe our Travel & Holidays section for those planning a different sort of escapism in 2009.

Visit the news archive for the editors picks on biographies, Great books for boys, the Booker Prize winner and the Booker Shortlist.