Both of my parents have passed on and my sister who was my best friend, died of breast cancer a few years ago. She died in July, but every holiday just isn't the same without her. And despite the many fond memories, I miss them. Especially around holidays.

If you're suffering from sadness or the loss of a loved one, you might need to use a few coping skills to deal with it. Here are a few suggestions:

1. Let yourself cry. It is perfectly okay to cry. Although crying brings immediate sadness, afterwards you will usually feel better. I can honestly say that I feel better after a good cry.

2. Watch a sad movie (a continuation of the crying theory). One of my favorite movies is "A Walk To Remember." It's a heartwarming story about losing a loved one. Sometimes it's easier to release your emotions through someone else's story. Even if it's a fictional one.

3. Spend time with the people you love. I love snuggling on the couch with my kids watching a good movie. So gather up the family and do something you enjoy together.

4. Exercise. I can't even begin to touch upon the numerous studies and articles about the health benefits of exercise. Just do it.

5. Eat healthy. It's easy to put on a few extra pounds around the holidays. Nothing feels worse than waking up feeling bloated. Treat yourself, but don't overindulge.

6. Smile. I remember going through a breakup back in my student/waitress years. Since I relied on tips to pay the rent, I couldn't afford to be sad. In fact, I didn't even tell anyone at work about it. No one likes a grumpy waitress. So when I went to work, I put a smile on my face. And you know what? I actually began to feel happy.

But my best advice: appreciate what you have. It could be gone tomorrow. Don't risk losing time with the people you love. Create new traditions and happy memories that you can cherish. Again, it's okay to be sad. But recognize it, embrace it and move forward. Smile and enjoy the holidays!

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