9 Tips for Lightening the Libations this Holiday Season

Dec 7

9. Choose Your Events.

You don't have to commit to every single friggin' event you're invited to. This season is filled with happy hours, office parties, girls nights, family dinners, bubbly brunches and friendly lunches.

You don't have to go.
If you go, you don't have to drink.
If you feel like you have to drink, try a mocktail or alcohol-free beer.
If you're not quite ready to give it up, commit to one or two drinks.

8. Plan Your Drinks.

If you're headed to a co-worker's house or somewhere you can bring your own beverages, make sure you've got a cooler packed with alcohol-free bevies.

Now, if you're headed to a bar, restaurant or somewhere they have a cash bar, you're going to want to call and ask what options they have for you.

7. Prepare Your Answers

Not drinking tonight? Here are some answers to the inevitable WHY NOT? Prepare yourself; you very likely WILL get asked this question:

I'm driving...even if you're not.
I have an early start tomorrow.
I'm taking it easy.
Giving my liver a break.
I'm just seeing if I can get through the holidays without it.
Just don't feel like it.

5. Take a Time Out.

Toddlers get them, why can’t we take a break? Find a place when you arrive that you can check out for a few minutes; a bathroom, basement, outside, behind the Christmas tree.

4. Identify Triggers.

The holidays are full of triggers. Traditions, memories, loss, grief...so many things. We know they're coming. Prepare for them, feel through them (easier said than done) and know they will pass.

3. Willpower Limits.

Being alcohol-free is NOT about willpower. We all have limited sources of willpower and throughout the day we spend what little we have. So, spend it on not drinking if that's what you want. Have the extra cookie, eat the cheese, drink the soda. Save your willpower muscle for the important things to you.

Reach Out.

We get it. So, if you need to reach out, please do. We're judgement-free, understand all the things holidays and sobriety and we'll try our best to make you laugh.