On holiday and switched on

Enjoy the festive season and don't be afraid to post your selfies online.

Have you ever found yourself wondering if it was appropriate to check your work email during a party?

Do you feel guilty about entertaining your kids with technology during the busy holiday season?

In a recent survey commissioned by US company Microsoft, tech users shared their anxieties and concerns about holiday technology.

Luckily for you, you're not the only one sending your thank-you notes via text and even better, most people think it's completely acceptable.

Still wondering about holiday tech etiquette?

Here are some tips to help guide you this season.

Don't fret, you aren't the only one checking your phone at the holiday table!
If you find yourself sneaking a peek at your phone during the family dinner - you're not alone. For example, 41 per cent of Americans admit to checking their phone secretly under the holiday table, according to the survey.

But although many Americans feel it's completely appropriate to check social media during holiday gatherings, only 34 per cent approve of people looking at work email.

If the dings of incoming emails are too enticing, use a digital personal assistant like Cortana to set quiet hours on your phone so incoming calls go straight to voicemail and notifications are silenced.

Go ahead, take a selfie!
You'll be in good company. According to the survey, 75 per cent of American parents are likely to post to social media during a festive gathering, so whether it's a video of your aunt's unique approach to roasting a turkey or pictures of that Christmas Day game of cricket on the beach , share away!

Don't stress about keeping the kids entertained
When travelling for the holidays, 72 per cent of parents use technology to entertain their children.

And don't feel guilty about letting them watch or play what they want.

Only 7 per cent of parents restrict kids to educational shows, movies and games compared to 40 per cent who aren't worried as much about the content, as long as it keeps the youngsters busy in the car or on the plane.

Happy holidays, world!
If you're in the mood to spread holiday cheer to everyone on your contact list, pen and paper aren't your only option.

Although according to the survey, 43 per cent of people still send cards via traditional mail, more than half of Americans are okay with sending mass holiday well wishes via text message.

Use tech to make thank you's more personal
If you're not into writing thank-you notes the old-fashioned way - and sending them by snail mail - why not consider sending a quick video message using Skype instead?

That way the gift giver can see and hear how much you appreciate the gift. You can also share a story about everything the family has been doing over the Christmas holiday period.

You have enough to think about during the holidays. Don't let technology etiquette add extra stress.

So, go ahead and post a holiday selfie. You won't be the only one.