How to enjoy Christmas without alcohol
If you’re aiming to have an alcohol-free Christmas and New Year, this season can be challenging. But as long as you make a plan and focus on what you’re gaining rather than what you’re missing out on, you can have a truly joyful sober Christmas.
Top tips for enjoying the festive season with out booze
Focus on what you’re gaining
Make a list of all the things you will benefit from by having an alcohol-free Christmas. This might include: no hangovers, better sleep, less anxiety, real connection with loved ones, being present and not missing out on magical moments due to being drunk or hungover.
Get curious about what you’re feeling and what you need
Start to notice when difficult feelings come up like stress, sadness, grief or anger. Notice them and name them. Ask yourself: where is this feeling in my body? What does it need? By exploring how to meet your needs without booze, you’re moving beyond willpower to changing your relationship with yourself.
Take the opportunity to explore what really brings you comfort and relaxation.
What makes you feel good? What makes you feel safe? You might explore how you feel when you get plenty of daylight and spend time in nature, when you prioritise your sleep, when you cuddle up indoors with your favourite movie. Alcohol doesn’t actually relax us: it temporarily sedates the body and increases stress and anxiety the next day. This is your chance to find what brings you lasting comfort and relaxation,
Stock up on alcohol-free drinks
If you can, don’t have booze in the house and instead find alcohol-free drinks you enjoy. These might be alcohol-free spirits you can make mocktails with, alcohol-free wine and beer, delicious cordials, kombucha, sparkling water, cosy teas… There are so many delicious drinks you can enjoy without ethanol.
Say ‘no’ when you need to
If a Christmas party or event is really going to trigger you and make it likely you’ll drink: don’t go. The most important thing is that you are taking care of yourself and prioritising your health. This won’t be forever, but sometimes, in early sobriety, you need to take care of yourself and not put yourself at risk of drinking to give yourself the best chance of long-term sober success.
Educate yourself about alcohol
Read books like This Naked Mind by Annie Grace, Alcohol Explained by William Porter and Drink? by David Nutt. By learning about how alcohol really affects our bodies and minds, you are empowering yourself with information which means you can make an informed choice about drinking. Once you realise that alcohol messes up our sleep, our brain chemistry and increases stress and anxiety, it looks much less appealing!
Seek support
I offer 1:1 sober coaching and hold monthly women’s sobriety support circles. Your first is free to join, and you can book your place on our next one (Weds 7 January) by emailing me at hello@ellie-nova.com
