It seems like a few of us are struggling emotionally this holiday season. I thought I would start a thread on how we can cope.

A close family member has passed away and it's been a challenge to balance the commitments of the season with the need to mourn. From past experience, I have learned the following works for me:

- Taking care of myself physically. That means trying to incorporate exercise into most days, preferably outdoors. This is challenging because we now have ice and snow everywhere. I have been known to randomly shovel snow around my home (moving piles around!) if I cannot get out onto the roads to walk safely.

- Sleep! Early to bed for me works wonders and gives me strength to face the next day. It helps for me to have a light read before bed.

- Food. I learned a long time ago that what I put in my mouth has a direct correlation to how I feel. It's especially challenging of course this time of year, but if 80% of my day consists of good choices I consider it a victory.

- To keep this somewhat fashion-related, I need comfortable yet flattering clothes to help me feel as good as is possible. Nothing binding or fussy. The clothes must be a supporting player, not the star. If I can look in the mirror and feel presentable, It's another weapon in my arsenal to combat the blues. Prior to YLF, this was foreign to me. Thanks, Angie.

-Simplify. If the cookies don't get baked or the cards don't get written, it's OK. The religious part of the season is most important to me, and while I can't be a downer for the kids' sake, so much of the holiday madness is self-imposed. Stripping it of the all the extras brings the ultimate joy to the forefront, and that gives me strength.

Over to you. Please share your coping strategies if this is a tough season for you.