I know what you're thinking: what the heck? The holidays are the best. People are in their best mood when Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years are coming around. The holidays make the whole year worth it.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not a holiday-hater or a grinch.

I love the holidays, too. I also think that it's the best time of the year, but in a way it can also be the worst.

When you think of holidays, you think of all your friends and the entire family getting together for all the ham, mashed potatoes, and mac and cheese in the world. And for some people and families all of that is true.

But not all.

Some families are not whole. Some families have lost a lot of their members along the way. Some families dread the holidays because that's just one more event without a loved one. And it may not even be the loss of a friend or family member that has you down, whatever your case may be, sometimes the holidays just suck.

This article isn't meant for anyone to feel bad or guilty about their excitement for the holidays or the fact that they are already blaring Christmas music. This is for all the people that are feeling excited, sad, happy, and kind of empty simultaneously during this time of year.

For all the people that can relate this holiday season, know that you are not alone.

It's okay to feel sad when you think about that loved one that isn't with your family as you're celebrating the New Year. But also know that you don't need to feel guilty.

Smile when you're opening presents, laugh with your friends and family as they make a horrible holiday joke, be happy that it's Christmas and a time to be thankful.

Feel your feelings, but don't let them ruin this time a year for you.

Happy (sometimes not-so) Holidays.