As Christmas approaches, every one of us feels a mix of emotions bubbling up. Even those who don’t celebrate it feel something. Christmas is different and the joy is hard to miss. Many of us love to celebrate Christmas. Others, however try to pretend it isn’t there because it brings back too many painful feelings. And some like Christmas but dread the trouble it can bring; families arguing, Uncle Joe getting drunk at the dinner table or Grandma saying something derogatory.

Rarely do we move toward Christmas with joy alone. Even if we love the Christmas season, we may have melancholy because a loved one died or can’t be with you. Others see Christmas through unrealistic lenses. They want everything to be perfect but it never is. One thing is certain: Christmas can be an emotionally complex time.

We know how to handle joy but dealing with sadness and other emotions at Christmas throws us a curve ball. Here are some of the things that trip most adults up.

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Sadness.

Many feel sadness because they grieve the loss of a loved one. If you are in this situation, I encourage you to think about that person. Tell God that you…