The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future

[Jampacked]

Hi all,

As we move into December I feel my apprehension rising. Work dos, family dos and the mere amount of booze around. There are things I love about Xmas the lights, carols all the charity bits and bobs but scared of the triggers. I am going to try and think of fun, sober things to do. I found the following story inspirational as it compares the sobriety journey to Scrouge in A Christmas Carol.

boozemusings.com/2021/11/25/starting-the-sober-holiday-season/

Let me know if you have any top tips for christmas. It could be our own sobriety advent calendar.

[LilyAnnepuppy Ambassador]

If I stay sober until Christmas, it will be my 45th sober holiday. I say “if I stay sober” because I get a daily reprieve, based on the maintenance of my spiritual condition.

It can be done. I hope you achieve your goals this holiday season.

[SoberDrunk1]

I drank on all days especially towards my drinking career. It’s just I drank more during holidays because I guess people people were forgiving and engrossed is celebrating the holidays. When I sobered up what I needed was a new way to handle my emotions and that’s where the 12 steps of AA helped me lead a serene life.

[HeavyFoot]

Let me add another to your list: becoming everybody’s driver because they’re too stocious to take the wheel 🤣 A pain in the rear

Good luck. It’s not easy. Perhaps get a stock of alcohol-free beers (better 0.0-0.05 than 0.5).

[Jampacked in reply to HeavyFoot]

I thought I knew all the words for drunk loving the word 'stocious'. Fortunately I have two non driving teens who work opposing shifts. Hoping lifts required during socials......🤣 Loving the fact pubs are starting to serve 0% pretend alcohol, helps people ask no questions.

[Isinatra]

When I sobered up I had joined AA. The local main AA clubhouse always had get togethers during major holiday triggers. It gave people a place to go and enjoy the festivities without the stress to drink. A meeting first (if you wanted to attend but not required), a potluck dinner (bring a dish if you could, but also not required. So much food!) and laughter. I learned I had to change the way I handled holidays. I preplanned what I was going to do and the most important those first several years, was not to be alone and get together with others who didn’t drink. At that time I had severe social anxiety, but I went anyway because my life/sobriety depended on it.

[Jampacked in reply to Isinatra]

Gosh, I can so relate to all that you have said. Thank you. I do need to sit down and plan ahead. I am starting to develop alcohol free interests. Just need to fill up time. I am trying to look outwards rather than inwards. Talk to the people who are driving or just don't drink much. Volunteer to do a job, help out, volunteer or drive rather than being a guest. It's hard work but it has to be done and feels good some of the time.

[Isinatra in reply to Jampacked]

It’s a process, for sure. See what works and what doesn’t and don’t go it alone. In time, you’ll be feeling more good about it. (Excuse the bad sentence structure lol) Have a safe holiday! 🏄‍♀️