The holiday season is officially in full swing, and the excitement is starting to build. With Christmas right around the corner, it's easy to get caught up buying last-minute gifts, gulping down all the hot cocoa in sight, and blaring "All I Want for Christmas Is You" (*cringe*) on repeat. While the holidays are a fun and joyful time, Christmas may be bittersweet for some people, especially those who've lost a loved one. This Christmas, we should all remember to be kind to the people who have lost a family member or friend.

This week my family had a scare with my dog after his hind legs suddenly stopped working on Saturday morning. Long story short, he had to have a sudden surgery and is now on the road to recovery, but it was such a scary time for my family. We were fearful that my dog would pass away, which would have been really sad. The scare with my sweet dog gave me a little taste of how Christmas feels like to the people who have lost a loved one.

Christmas was almost completely ruined for my family, and I can't even imagine how much worse it would have been to have a family member pass away. It made me realize how sad the holidays must be for the people who've had a family member or friend pass. It caused me to remember that Christmas isn't all fun and games for some people.

This holiday season, remember those who have lost a loved one. Without your loved ones around, Christmas can be a very dreary time. Christmas is the time to visit with family and friends, and it's difficult to celebrate the holidays after losing someone. We should all treat those who have lost a loved one with kindness and sympathy this Christmas.

If you know someone who has had a death in the family recently, reach out to them and let them know they're not alone. Hug them, spend quality time with them, or send them a card to let them know you're thinking of them. If you yourself have lost a loved one and are having a difficult time this Christmas, know that you're never truly alone and that things will get better. Reach out to the people around you and tell them how you're feeling in order to get help.

Have a merry Christmas, and remember to be kind to everyone, especially those who have lost a loved one.