Emotions are in full force this time of year, and when you're not looking forward to the holidays, it can be a painful bitch dealing with them.

Maybe you recently found out some terrible news, lost your job, or even a loved one. Or maybe the anniversary of a tragic event is approaching rapidly, and you can't bare the thought of getting out of bed that day.

Maybe you're struggling through a bad breakup, divorce, or custody battle. Or maybe you're just having second thoughts about the direction your life is headed.

Maybe you're spending the holidays alone, miles away from your friends and family. Or maybe it's the first holiday that your usual group will be 'minus one' while opening gifts around the tree.

Whatever it may be, spreading holiday cheer is probably the last thing on your mind.

It's hard to keep it together when you can't even leave your house without hearing sleigh bells ring or getting slapped in the face with the spirit of giving – especially when it feels like so much has been taken away.

If you came here looking for some sort of saving grace, I can't give that to you. There are very few words that can lift you up, when you feel like curling up under a rock and not coming out until mid-January (or next summer, really).

Believe me, I know.

What I can give you, is a few tips on how to make the home stretch before the new year a little more bearable – even if it seems impossible.

First off, surround yourself with people who genuinely care about you. I don't care if that means one neighbor or a hundred relatives. If you're planning to be alone, make a new friend. While it may be nice and/or necessary for a little while, don't sit around by yourself all the time and let your grief eat you alive.

Second, force yourself to get into the spirit of giving that you're avoiding, no matter how small. Doing a good deed will fill your heart with positivity, and open your eyes to all of the people in need. It puts your time of need into perspective, and relieving some of the weight off the shoulders of others, can relieve some off of your own in return.

Third, try to smile. I know it feels impossible when reality is blatantly staring you in the face, but think of all of the possibilities that lie ahead – for your friends, your family, and yourself. Play a silly game, watch a funny movie, bake some cookies (or eat all the dough before the oven preheats), or reminisce about old times with your loved ones. Do something to make yourself laugh. There is positivity ahead – the sooner you find it in yourself, the easier it will be to grieve.

It seems like the end of the world, and way too much to handle right now. Life hits us like a train, leaving mass amounts of hurt and emptiness in our hearts. Tears are likely unavoidable, and that's OK. Let it out.

But, put life in check. Don't allow it to make you feel as if it's not worth living or it's not worth an ounce of happiness. As I said before, I can't cure your pain, as much as I wish I could.

It has to come from you.

You had the strength to make it through everything thus far, so I know you have the strength to make it through a month of caroling and overrated Lifetime movies without losing sight of yourself.

Remember, there is always a way to bring the best out of a shitty situation. My thoughts are with you as you try to find a little bit of happy in the holidays.

A new year is right around the corner – you can do this!