One of the hardest parts of the holiday season is the feelings that creep in when you're not looking.

For some people, Thanksgiving and Christmas are very festive. It's a celebration of family, of togetherness, and of spreading good cheer to other people just before the start of a new year. (Which is supposed to be a clean slate to start over fresh!)

For others, the holidays are hard. Some of us think about people we have lost that won't get to share the holidays with us. Some of us may feel angry because we aren't getting to see the people we want to see. 

Maybe you're feeling irritated that someone is being rude to you. Are you nervous you can't find the right gift for your friend? Are you feeling bummed out because you can't afford to give a gift?

There are a lot of people who forget what the holidays are about - the ones that feel ungrateful for gifts they've received, angry over the gifts they didn't receive.

Whatever feeling you are experiencing this holiday season, remember that your feelings are valid. They are yours. You are entitled to feel your feelings. HOWEVER - don't take your feelings out on other people. Express them in healthy ways by journaling, exercising, using breathing exercises, drawing, singing, or whatever you do to help you refocus and find a calmer place.