5 Tips for Staying Sober from someone who stopped drinking right before Christmas.

Y'all the Holiday season is here and it is boozy as all hell. Family is triggering, and so can going back to your hometown. Here are my tips for not drinking as someone who has got sober from alcohol right before Christmas.

1. Always have an alternative beverage

There is nothing worst for me than being at a party empty handed. Or have to go get a drink out of the kid bin where my only options are capri suns and diet coke. I have learned now to always inconspicuous on hand.

The holiday's are exhausting enough without having to being judged at every glance for not drinking alcohol.

My go to are non-alcoholic beer or sparkling wine. With a koozie or a wine glass, it will significantly cut down on people noticing you’re not drinking alcohol. I really like the Sierra Nevada Trail Pass and Toast sparkling wine. I have found both at Walmart. For folks in Western North Carolina, Lowe's grocery has a pretty solid n/a selection.

2. Prepare yourself for questions and how much you want to share.

You don’t owe anyone your story, but your story will help people. It’s not about justifying your lifestyle, it’s about showing people that it’s possible.

More people struggle with mental health and alcohol coping mechanisms than you could even imagine.

The people who shared their story with me and answered my questions were pivotal in me becoming comfortable giving up alcohol.

3. Stay Home.

Have you build a really great community? Does going home and seeing family feels like an obligation more so than a choice?

I give you permission to stay home and spend the holidays with people who understand where you are.

You don’t owe family the holiday, especially if it’s at the expense of your sobriety and mental health. Skip this one, and catch them next year or visit when everything isn’t so centered on drinking.

4. Don't be the D.D

One of the best things about being sober from alcohol is the ability to drive wherever and whenever you want.

You may be tempted to offer to be the DD to be a part of the group but, in my experience, especially at in early sobriety, it’s really nice to be able to just leave without anyone relying on you when people start to become too much.

5. Travel!

My first year sober, my partner and I went to Cozumel for Christmas & New Years. Yes, it was a little scary to travel sober the first time… but we were much more likely to drink again if were in our home-town for the holidays.