The temperatures are starting to cool, the leaves are changing colors, and everything seems to be pumpkin spice and apple. Fall is finally here! If you are like me, then many of you are loving this and have been waiting for this time of the year.   The stores have displays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas items and decoration.   Many find this very exciting…. it means major holidays are rapidly approaching bringing great traditions and festivities.  However, many of us feel increased anxiety and sadness as the holidays approach. We are bombarded by feeling stress and pressure to put on a happy face to express excitement and joyfulness about the rapidly approaching holidays.  Many of us likely looked forward to and enjoyed the holidays in the past. Yet, if you have lost a loved one, you may be struggling to look forward to the holidays as you once did.  Whether due to estranged relationships, our loved ones serving in the military away from home, incarceration, or death, the loss is felt.