Christmas time, mistletoe and no wine!

For many Christmas time is one of the most wonderful times of the year, but for those looking to remain alcohol free (sober), or reduce their drinking, Christmas can be one of the toughest times. Suddenly, it is acceptable to drink at breakfast, your nan despite not drinking for 10 years has dusted of her bottle of port and your mother-in-law has made a sherry trifle with so much alcohol it could knock out a horse!

However, with a few simple tips, this challenging time can be made a little easier.

• Plan – Think about where you are going, plan for what may be triggering for you, who are you seeing, and what you are going to do? Have a plan of what you will say to people to people before you arrive. Make an exit plan so that you know you can leave, when you want too.

• Be Honest – Your story is yours and you don’t have to tell people anything you don’t want to, however, there is a lot to be said for telling people the truth. I don’t want to drink because....... Often by doing this I get one of two reactions, people who are genuinely interested and often talk about their own drinking, or those who cannot believe anyone could ever give up alcohol, this says more about them than you!

• Consider alcohol free options – One of the best things about not drinking alcohol, is the choice of drinks these days is endless. Alcohol free beer and wine has got much better in recent years, a personal favourite of mine is Lucky Saint beer. Or if alcohol free is not for you, have something different with your Christmas dinner, have a milkshake, a cup of tea or try Kombucha, your choices are endless.

• Treat yourself – Christmas is a time for indulgence and think of all those calories that you will be saving by not drinking. Have seconds at dinner or have both options for pudding, put on your favourite Christmas film on, or play a family board game, like your life depends on you winning.

• Be kind to yourself – Despite everything you put in place, mistakes do happen, however one mistake does not define who you are. If you do stumble, don’t see this as a failure but as motivation to get back on track with your goals.

• Finally enjoy your hangover free days – One of the best things about not drinking alcohol, is the morning after, never have I woken up early the next morning and thought,” I wish I had a drink last night”. The morning is the time of the non-drinker, enjoy it, go for a walk or stay in bed, this is your time you have earnt it.

With these few simple tips, you can stay alcohol free or have a few less this year. Hopefully when all the celebrations are over, and both your nan and mother-in-law are hungover, you can look back and say you had a great Christmas and stayed within your own limits.

Merry Christmas all

Ben - Its That Sober Guy

Disclaimer – I am not a trained addiction or mental health professional, information is based on my own life experiences and shared in good faith to help others.

#sober #sobriety #soberlife #Christmas