3 Tips For Enjoying Holidays Alcohol-Free!

You can avoid booze at holiday functions and still have a wonderful time.

 The holiday season is upon us, and we will soon be going to office parties, attending soirees, and mingling with friends and families whether we want to or not!

There is no doubt that booze will play a significant role in many of these gatherings, and if you have committed to going alcohol-free recently, this could present a challenge to you. 

I want to let you know that it ain’t as bad as your mind is telling you it will be.

For those of us who have committed to going alcohol-free and might still be in the early stages, this article of tips and tactics can be helpful. Even if you are well-seasoned in the alcohol-free lifestyle, this can be an excellent refresher.

1) Have a plan.

Your imagination is a great power to harness.

Peer into your imagination’s crystal ball and use its incredible power.  Before going to one of these functions, you can project into the future and play it all out in your mind.

Find a quiet, comfortable place, sit down and relax into a meditative state. You can play forward how you would like the proceedings to go down in that state. Let the scene be as vivid as possible by incorporating your feelings and emotions into the projection. See yourself laughing and having a good time. Hear yourself in conversation with others and enjoy their company.

You may also want to write out questions and scenarios. For example, how long do you plan on sticking around? Is this an event like a dinner party that requires a longer time frame, or is it an event that people might filter in and out of?  You might have several people you would like to talk to, so make them a priority.  Be surgical in how you navigate the event. See yourself weaving through the crowd and conversing with folks.  

Enjoy the planning stage; it can be fun!

2) Write Your Script.

Rehearse your lines before you get on stage.

What will you say when you are asked why you are not drinking? There are plenty of ways to do this, and do whatever is comfortable for you.

Maybe you want to fib a little and say you are on medication/ antibiotics or driving. That’s cool, especially if you are not yet comfortable talking about why you aren’t drinking.

Maybe you want to own it and put it out there that you are taking a break from booze. Go for it! You might say, “Alcohol was taking far more than it was giving, so I am taking a break,” or “My relationship with alcohol was like a toxic boy/girlfriend, and I want to live Life without it.”

You can also use humor and keep it light. Make a joke and be self-deprecating. I sometimes say, “I went hard in the paint for the last decade, so I thought I would give my body a break for a while.”

Deflect and get others to talk about themselves. If you get asked if you would like a drink, you can say, “Yes! I would love a coke or water.” Or “No, I’m good right now, thank you!” Then start asking questions about them. We all love to talk about ourselves, and you can get others to yammering when you ask good questions with genuine interest.

3) Bring it!

 If you are self-conscious about not drinking and are worried about how others perceive you, this will affect your external reality. Show up with good energy! Entering the party with a playful and engaging attitude will bring not only life to you but to the whole scene as well.

Here is an idea that can alleviate those self-conscious thoughts: No one thinks about you more than you do! Most everyone thinks about themselves most of the time. So, the fact that you aren’t drinking might be noticed, but more than likely, it will not be a big deal to others.

Remember, it will be weird only if you make it weird.

Tune in next week!

I have found that I have a deeper appreciation for the season without the effects of alcohol numbing my body and mind. Without the irritability and anxiety brought on by booze, I can truly revel in the spirit, joy, and good tidings this holiday brings.

I hope this article has given you some ideas for having a wonderful holiday without the need to self-medicate with alcohol.

There will be more tips to come throughout the holidays!