For so many people, the holiday season is the best time of the year because they get to spend quality time with their family, reminisce about old memories and make new ones.
But this time of year can be very difficult and lonely for those who have lost a loved one.
The death of a loved one is one of the hardest things to go through, and while some people keep their feelings to themselves, others prefer not to hide their grief.
Meghan McCain, The View co-host and daughter of the late Senator John McCain, is among the latter.
The 34-year-old has been very open with her fans about her grieving process since losing her father to brain cancer in August. For her first Christmas without the senator, Meghan shared a touching message on social media.
"Merry Christmas, Dad. Wherever you are "” I love you forever," she captioned a photo of her father grilling.
People flocked to Meghan's comment section to send their well-wishes, virtual hugs, and share their own grief so she knows that she isn't alone in how she feels, but there was at least one fan who didn't think it was appropriate for the host to grieve so publicly.
"Do this in private," read one of the replies under Meghan's post on Twitter.
In a second tweet, the person accused Meghan of using the late politician's death for "attention and publicity."
Hundreds of supports came to Meghan's defense, explaining that she should be allowed to mourn and celebrate her dad however she pleases.
Following the backlash, Meghan herself took the time to defend her decision to talk about her father's death on social media.
"If there's one thing I'm doing in 2019 it's to continue to destigmatize talking about grief, death, and cancer," she tweeted.
"My father shared his life in public, I share it in death. To all of you out there missing a loved one tonight "” you are not alone. I'm alongside you, sending strength."
Meghan previously opened up about not having her father around during holidays, and in a message to all those who are going through a loss, she explained that "it's okay" to have a bad holiday season.
"For those of you who aren't having great holidays, it's okay to be in your truth," she said on The View. "I'm not having great holidays. Everyone knows what's happened in my life, everyone knows what's happening."
"If you're having a bad holiday season, right here, I'm with you. Okay? Sometimes it's hard, and it's really hard with social media that everyone looks like they're having a perfect holiday. And for those of us who aren't, it's okay," she added.