A layered cake.  That’s what I picture when I think about the next couple months.  The bottom layer is the upcoming holiday season.  And during a ‘normal’ year the holiday season can be stressful because…

…because of feeling overwhelmed, not getting everything on your todo list done.  

…because family.  Nuff said.

…because your vision of what the holidays ‘should’ look like, looks nothing like what yours actually do look like.

…because what once looked so far away, the year’s end, is now right before your eyes…and you are still standing there with a list of unmet goals.

…because you’re lonely.  You don’t do well in crowds.  You’re exhausted.  You’re broke.

Now take all that ‘normal’ year holiday stuff and add on another layer…a big fat layer of global pandemic.  

Hold up…not done yet!  Let’s go ahead and add one more layer…the “I want to stay sober through it all’ layer.  

If you are newly sober, and this will be your first sober holiday season, you may be feeling a little (maybe a lot) nervous and anxious…that’s normal, and you are not alone.  Stay with me here and we’ll get to some tips that can help.  

For those of you that have some sober time under your belt, you know how good it feels, and what that inner freedom feels like, when you get through a holiday season alcohol free.  These tips may help you too.  

Self care is a must.  You’ve ditched the booze!  That’s a grande size of self care!!  But there is more you can do in the self care arena, and taking care of your body, mind and soul is important during these stressful times.  Healthy eats, plenty of water, enough sleep, physical activity, slowing down, stopping to breath, and making time for meditation.  All very important and will help you get through the season.   Here is a 5 minute meditation you can do anywhere!  

Be mindful of what you’re drinking and thinking.  (Not to be confused with ‘mindful drinking’, which is a movement I’ll explore in a later blog.)  When headed to a social gathering or holiday party don’t go empty handed.  Bring your own NA beverage or, if you know there will be NA options there get one right away.  When you are prepared and have a beverage in hand people won’t be constantly asking you if you want a drink.  Having a drink in your hand also helps you not look so awkward when you don’t know what to do with your hands.   

Plan ahead.  There are a number of simple things you can do ahead of time…before you get to the party…that will help reduce your angst.  Drive yourself, so you can leave when YOU need to.  Arrive late, leave early.  Yes you are sober, but no that does not mean you have to be the designated driver, that can be triggering…drunk people are annoying (shocker!) and you may not like your drunk friends the next day.   Have a friend or two on standby that you can call or text if needed.  

You are going to be asked why, so have your response ready.  “You’re not drinking? Why aren’t you drinking? For how long aren’t you drinking?  You are never drinking again?!?!”  They are going to ask…the questions will come.  Because in this backwards society we live in, where drinking is the norm…if you decide to go alcohol free…you’re the odd one.  You don’t owe anyone an answer.  But not being prepared when this question is thrown at you can make the situation even more uncomfortable.  Keep it short and simple if you want.  “Why aren’t you drinking?”  “Because.”  The end. 

Out with the old, in with the new…create new traditions.   Change the setting.  If you’ve always spent Thanksgiving dinner over at Aunt Mary’s…where you would have a little turkey with a lot of wine, then maybe you should offer to host the dinner at your house.  Change the time.  4 pm Christmas dinner at the in-laws with all 20 cousins too much, try going over there for brunch.  Do something completely different from your familiar holiday activities.  Go volunteer at a homeless shelter or to walk the dogs at your local animal shelter.  Giving and being of service is one of the best things you can do during the holidays, it helps you get out of your own head and focus on others.  

First and foremost, make your sobriety your top priority, because it is.  Every morning set your intention..tell yourself that you are not going to drink.  No matter what.  Eliminate the option of drinking altogether.  Remind yourself why you made the decision to live a life without alcohol…and that your ongoing sobriety is the biggest, most important, gift of the season.  

And always eat the cake. 

Until next time, be well,

Kerri Mac ??