If you are single, divorced, widowed, or recently separated, it's not uncommon to feel unhappy or depressed during the holiday season. With all the images of couples and families enjoying themselves together, it's easy to feel that you're missing out on all the fun.

Unrealistic expectations, social pressures, painful memories, and other causes of holiday stress can be much more intense for people who are alone. Family members, children, and friends can often make matters worse by not responding appropriately to your situation, or by not visiting you at all during the holiday season.

Madison Avenue has never been kind to single individuals during the holidays. If you understand this, however, and know that you're going to be bombarded with lots of painful advertising messages, you can prepare yourself emotionally to keep these from affecting you.

• Remind yourself, every day, that there's nothing wrong with being single during the holidays. You have just as much right to celebrate and have a good time as anyone else
• Call an old friend or two and plan a get-together
• Accept invitations
• Go outside or to the gym and exercise
• Volunteer
• See what's going on at the local Senior Center, Church, or Community Center 

Best wishes for a safe and healthy Holiday.