Ways to Avoid Alcohol this Christmas
Some tips to stay sober on Xmas day
Welcome to the AFFathers newsletter on Substack.
I’m so excited for Christmas this year - probably the most excited I have been in years. I’ve spent many of these festive occasions sober since quitting alcohol nearly seven years ago, but after recently refreshing my recovery journey, this Christmas has taken on a new life for me.
I feel more joyous and free as we head towards Christmas Day. I’m trying to cement traditions for us to follow as a family. They may be small, but I’m hoping they’re meaningful enough for my son to continue when he has a family.
And I owe it all to sobriety. As I tweeted (or is it posted?) recently, if I hadn’t got sober, I’d most likely be dead. I certainly wouldn’t be spending Christmas with my family. If I wasn’t dead, I’d probably be locked up, homeless or drunk in a ditch.
So it’s with this renewed energy in sobriety and love for Christmas that I remember how difficult these holidays were when I was drinking. And how it must be for those who want to quit or have recently given up alcohol.
Christmas can be an extremely booze-orientated time of the year. Alcohol is everywhere. Heck, even drinking alcohol with breakfast on Christmas Day morning is now considered socially acceptable!
I bet many of you have already had to navigate your way through your work’s Christmas party while having to explain why you’re drinking water, not wine.
You’ve probably attended a family gathering or had a night out with friends and explained that you’re drinking because you’re driving. You may have even made the excuse that you’re not feeling well in order to stop people talking about it.
I’ve been there.
My first Christmas after getting sober, I left the party we were at to go home. I told people I’d forgotten a gift and I’d be right back. However, after driving back to my house, I just stayed there. Too many people I didn’t know were insisting I drank. It was suffocating.
But what about Christmas Day? How do you avoid alcohol? While everyone is drinking around you, how do you maintain your sobriety? Below, I have listed five ways for you to avoid alcohol on the magical day.
1. Tell people you are not drinking
Whether you’re spending the day at home with your loved ones, going out for the day or visiting someone else’s house, telling people ahead of time that you’re not drinking this Christmas means it will not come as a shock to them.
Stressing the point beforehand will most likely mean you avoid being offered a glass of wine, a flute of champagne or a bottle of beer. You will also avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on yourself or them by being clear and honest from the outset.
It doesn’t have to be a big deal, and you can always add that you’re driving or that you’ve recently felt unwell if you’re feeling uncomfortable. But stressing the fact that you’re not drinking means that you’re not drinking. Your decision should be respected.
2. Take timeouts
Break away from the festive partying and take a nap, get some rest, or just have some quiet time to yourself. This will break up your day. It will give you a chance to recharge your batteries and reaffirm the courage and strength in your convictions.
I’ve used this in the past when things have got a bit much, and it really worked. I was able to find a small gap in the day where I could de-stress and remind myself why I wasn’t drinking anymore. These timeouts will help with your mental clarity.
Tiredness – mental, physical and emotional – could quickly lead you to give up. DON’T! You’ve made the decision not to drink, and you need to keep your wits about you on such an alcohol-fuelled day. Don’t slip back into your old, destructive ways.
3. Remember why you’re doing this
Reaffirm. Reaffirm. Reaffirm. Keep the reason(s) for quitting booze this Christmas at the front of your mind. Make sure you’re clear on them. Make your reason(s) decisive. Write them down and read them aloud. Repeat them to yourself.
Focus on them. Don’t let anyone bully you into taking your eye off the sober prize. You are doing this for you. You owe it to yourself to stay strong. No one can steal sobriety from you and you must not take this gift away from yourself.
4. Leave the party when you feel you need to
Don’t hang around if you’re feeling uncomfortable. People might be disappointed but they’ll get over it. You’re doing this for a positive reason. If you’re at home, ask people to leave or get out of the house for a bit. Fresh air is your friend.
If you feel like you want to drink - leave. Get out of any boozy situation. You are changing your life for the better. You owe it to yourself to stay safe and sober. Look after yourself. Protect yourself. Love yourself. Alcohol isn’t the answer.
5. If it all gets too much, call someone
If you’re really struggling, talk to someone you trust. That might be a sponsor - if you’re in a 12-step program or it might be a family member you can discuss these things with.
If you have an accountability buddy - lean on them. Talk to them about the pressures you’re feeling. You don’t have to go on this journey alone. The holiday season can be tough, but you’re stronger than you think. There are people to help you.
If you’ve decided not to drink on Christmas Day, keep these points in mind:
1. Tell people beforehand you’re not drinking
2. Take breaks throughout your day to keep your mind sharp
3. Remember your reasons for not drinking
4. Look after yourself
5. Reach out
I wish you a wonderful alcohol-free Christmas.
One that you’ll actually enjoy and remember!
Stay sober. Stay strong. Go make memories. And go have fun.
You can do this.
If there is anything you would add to this list or feel I didn’t cover enough, or there was something in this article resonated with you, then please leave me a comment:
Thank you for reading: “Ways to Avoid Alcohol this Christmas.”
Here are some useful articles related to today’s post:
Check out the last post: “Sobriety and Sunshine, Booze and Beats.”
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Take care of yourself and your family,
Roscoe | Alcohol Free Fathers
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