A Booze Free Holiday Season

If you’re reading this, you have probably made the decision to take a break from alcohol this holiday season and I applaud you! It’s a big step to take, and one that is certainly not easy!

Whether you have been on an alcohol hiatus for awhile, or just starting out, I want to share with you some tips that helped me get through the holidays last year booze-free and that I will be following this year as well!

Have a plan of what you’re going to say when people ask why you aren’t drinking.

• Alcoholic drinks have somehow become a staple during the holidays. Wine with dinner, champagne at midnight….sometimes it feels like the holidays are ONLY about drinking (anyone else feel this way?) So to be one of the few not drinking, people look at you like you have three heads. They tend to ask questions like, “are you pregnant? Are you sick?” or say things like “c’mon just one won’t hurt!” This can feel pressuring/triggering, so it helps to have a plan of what you’re going to say when the questioning inevitably happens. If you’re at a location where you need to drive home, you can always say you’re the DD for the night. But I personally like to tell people I'm not drinking for the night and leave it at that. If they continue to pressure you or ask more questions, remember that you can walk away. You don’t need to explain to people why you aren’t drinking. (On the flipside of this, could you imagine if we asked these kinds of questions when people DID drink????)

Have alternatives on hand to help you feel included.

• This is also a great way to stop the unwanted questions or comments! I love having a bottle of non-alcoholic (NA) wine or a 6-pack of NA beer on hand! It looks like the real deal and not only does it stop the interrogation, but it also makes you feel included! I never feel like I’m missing out when I’m drinking a glass of sparkling NA rose. Plus it’s nice not waking up with a hangover. My favorite NA brands are Fre Wines, Gruvi, and Heiniken 0.0

Find an accountability buddy!

• Having another sober buddy (whether in real life or virtual) makes a huge difference. Last year, anytime I felt myself wanting to reach for a drink, I would text my friend Christina instead. I would say, “hey I’m at _____ party and I REALLY want to order a margarita. I need your help”. And she would text me back reminding me of why I was choosing to stay sober and encourage me that I could do it!! I can’t even tell you how crucial that was to my success. Knowing someone was cheering me on and wanted me to succeed as much as I did helped me stay on track!

Remember why you are choosing to not drink!

• If you are choosing not to drink this holiday season, I’m sure you have a great reason. Whether it’s wanting to be more present with your family/friends, give your body a break, improve your health, break your addiction….remember WHY are going down this path. No one said it was going to be easy. We live in a society that glorifies alcohol and ostracizes those that choose not to. Remember that you’re doing this for you. No one has to live with your hangover, the regret, or the embarrassment that comes with drinking but YOU. Don’t let others make you feel bad or pressure you into having a drink. You CAN do this!! And if you need help, don’t be ashamed to ask for it. You can seek help in other sober buddies, attending AA meetings, or seeking out a therapist/counselor.

I hope these tips are helpful!! If you are choosing to stay sober this holiday season, I’d love to hear from you! Comment below or send me a DM on instagram. Happy booze-free celebrating!!