Everywhere we go we are bombarded with advertising and store merchandising in celebration of the holidays.  Images of being surrounded warmly by friends and family abound.  While these images paint a beautiful picture of joy and the holiday spirit, the reality is that some people feel happy, while others do not.  Many people feel loneliness and grief for their losses during the holiday season.  Although there is no media blitz shouting it to the world, it is actually quite common to feel sadness this time of year.  And denying that you truly feel this way may actually increase your feelings of sadness or inadequacy.  For some, trying to avoid these feelings causes depression, anxiety, stress or illness.  Others, in response to the massive marketing campaigns with jingling bells and falling snow, try to avoid feelings of loneliness by overcompensating with abundant or expensive gifts. Read More