Whether you started your recovery journey recently or many years ago, the holiday season can be pretty challenging. It seems like society has conditioned us to think that celebration equals alcohol. And it is no surprise that many people find that triggering.

The true spirit of Christmas, though, lies within love, forgiveness, and new creation. On that positive note, today we share 11 steps that you can use to enjoy a sober Christmas season.

1. Prioritize Self-Care

Do you feel like you lose track of your routine during the festive season? Christmas is a wonderful time to catch up with friends and family, but that can sometimes be stressful, especially if you are just starting to explore sobriety. What you can do to prevent feeling drained and eventually triggered is to schedule time for yourself in advance.

Self-care may include anything from eating healthy and getting enough hours of sleep to practicing meditation and mindfulness. It can also mean spending time doing your favorite hobby or exploring new activities. Whatever it is, make sure that you prioritize time for yourself, so you feel balanced and stick to a routine so you can stay on track with your goals.

The key here is to not be hard on yourself if you fall off the wagon with your self-care plans. Know that you can always get back on track because you have done it before.

2. Self-Reflection 

In order to resist troublesome behavior, you first need to analyze its root cause. Think about the typical holiday environment and how it affects your psyche. Does it bring you joy, or does it make you feel anxious? 

Analyze all this, but don’t beat yourself up. Be kind, and remember to trust the process. Self-reflection is not about being overly critical but rather about looking deep inside to identify your patterns of behavior. The insights we gather through self-reflection activity can not only help us heal but can also prevent future relapse too.

3. Stay Away From Social Media

Have you ever noticed that after spending time on social media, you feel sad or depressed? It’s not just you. Studies actually show that social media has been linked to worsening overall mental health. During the Holiday season, things can get even worse. While it may seem like people are living their best life online, it is easy to get caught up in illusions. 

This can not only trigger negative emotions but also lead you to relapse. What you can do instead is limit your time online by setting a timer or adjusting your phone settings to shut off the app after a certain amount of screen time. You can alternatively find platforms that make you feel good and inspired. 

And remember - what people show online is often far from reality, so never compare yourself to others.

4. Don’t Feel Bad About Saying NO

Do you feel pressured to say YES to a party invitation, even though you don’t want to go? Don’t feel rude about that. Remember - you always have the right to say NO. The truth is that many people just like you find it hard to visit social events once they quit using substances. What’s important is to set yourself some healthy boundaries and, most importantly, respect yourself by keeping them.

5. Bring a Friend With You

However, if you face a difficult situation and say YES to that invitation you feel particularly stressed about - the best technique is to bring a friend with you. 

Stepping out of our comfort zone is what makes us grow and get better. We all need a little extra help sometimes, though. As the saying goes, “a friend in need is a friend indeed” - the support of friends and family is often a vital part of your journey.

6. Establish a Good Support System

Don’t expect to manage all emotions by yourself. During overwhelming and stressful periods, it’s best to stay connected to a community that supports you. A robust support system can help us relieve stress during hard times, and it can even help prevent isolation.

But what does it mean to have a support system? That is usually defined by a group of people who encourage you to do better and help you through your journey. These can be your good friends, family, or community. 

7. Find Ways You Can Help Others

Did you know that volunteering actually makes you happier? Lots of people share that looking past your own problems makes you appreciate the good in your life and be grateful, even through struggles. Being an active part of your local community can also bring a new purpose to your life. 

The holidays are a great time to find some volunteering opportunities. This can be anything from helping in a local shelter or donating old clothing, books, etc. By contacting organizations in your area, you may also find that many are actively looking for new members all year long. Give back to the community, and you may find yourself inspired.

8. Indulge in Fun Sober Activities

Elevate your festive mood by indulging in fun, sober activities. A few suggestions include ice skating, baking cookies, or handcrafting DIY Christmas ornaments or presents. All this will not only distract you from drinking but will also release lots of good chemicals in your brain, such as dopamine, serotonin, and others, which are proven to boost your mood and increase overall happiness.

9. Find Your Perfect Non-Alcoholic Drink

Your new life is all about finding healthy alternatives. A healthier way to deal with emotions calls for a healthier type of drink! Find your go-to alcohol-free drink that will bring you joy this year. Make sure you take this with you to parties or holiday festivities if you decide to attend. That will help make sure you always have something to turn to other than alcohol. The options are endless and generally quite fun!

10. Concentrate on The Positives of The Christmas Season

Do you feel like substance abuse has worsened your relationship with family and friends? Addiction often makes you lose touch with people you care about. You may feel unseen, angry, or even unlovable during those dark times of your life.

An alcohol-free Christmas season can make you appreciate your close ones and even strengthen your relationships. As Christmas is known to be a time of forgiveness, use this as an opportunity to open a new chapter in your life.

11. Be Patient

Your journey is not a linear experience. There often may be ups and downs, but that does not diminish your success so far. Embrace the Power of Now and concentrate on how good you are doing now. Don’t think about your past mistakes or stress about the future. Believe in yourself, make a note of your accomplishments (literally, write them down!), and trust and enjoy the process. It isn’t about reaching the goal of ‘getting sober’ - it’s about enjoying the journey, using the ‘failures’ as opportunities for growth and learning, and being easy and kind to yourself if you slip up. You can ALWAYS get back on the train. Remember that!

These 11 steps to a sober holiday season give you resources on how to deal with your emotions in a positive way. If you feel that you need a little bit of extra support during this season, though, you can contact The Walker Center for a confidential talk with a member of our team.