Feeling blue this Christmas? Here are ways to keep spirits bright for the holidays

As joyous as Christmas can be, the holiday time can be tough for a lot of people due to illness, loss of family or friends or other stressors. Here are insights from professionals to help.

Illnesses, loss of family members or friends, financial stress, loneliness or other worries can become the Grinch that stole Christmas joy for many.  "Everyone has ups and downs — you, your friends, even those annoyingly happy people on social media." "I put on the fire, watch a movie and pour a nice glass of wine to give myself a boost." "They are my family — friends that are family — and I enjoy being around them. They help me feel a bit happier." One woman enjoys walking around her neighborhood and looking at the holiday decorations and lights when she feels the holiday stress taking over. "People should understand the difference between feeling sad and dealing with a mental illness." Amy McGorry is a contributing health writer for Fox News Digital. Follow her on Twitter @amymcgorry.

The "Christmas blues" or "holiday blues" are described as temporary feelings of anxiety and depression that occur around the holidays, due to extra stress, unrealistic expectations, or sentimental memories associated with the season, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).