Tips for an Alcohol-Free Holiday Season

Today | 3 min read

More than half of Americans drink more during the holiday season. For some, this increased alcohol intake results in hangovers or even missed work. For others, it interferes with their health goals and can have negative effects on physical and mental health.

Benefits of going alcohol-free

Going alcohol-free can have notable positive effects. Avoiding alcohol can help reduce stress, anxiety and fatigue. Excessive alcohol consumption is associated with higher risks of heart disease, high blood pressure and cancer. Higher rates of alcohol consumption are also tied to obesity and diabetes. You are likely to be more in the present moment if you go through the holidays without alcohol.

Tips for alcohol-free holidays:

Going alcohol-free for the holidays may seem easier said than done, but with determination and focus it is doable. Here are some tips for going alcohol-free over the holidays:

Be specific and clear about your goals

Don’t be wishy-washy about your goal of going alcohol-free. Decide why you want to go alcohol-free for the holiday and be specific and clear about your reasons for staying sober this season. Maybe you want to continue the sobriety streak into the new year or you are going to remain alcohol-free for a set amount of time. Either way, be honest with yourself and others about your goal.

Be open and honest about your goal to be alcohol-free

You may end up fielding many questions about not drinking. You don’t have to share more than you want to, but it can be helpful to tell others you are abstaining from alcohol for the holidays. Being clear to those around you that you are not drinking may lower social pressure to drink.

Find replacement beverages you enjoy

Find other drinks or treats that can replace the social or physical role of an alcoholic drink. There are many non-alcoholic beers and wines, or you can try making holiday mocktails to join in the festive atmosphere. You could even make a non-alcoholic mulled wine or holiday punch to replace a holiday alcoholic beverage.

Limit your time around alcohol

It may be difficult to be around alcohol and stay alcohol-free. If this is the case, you can limit your time around alcohol. If you are comfortable requesting for family or friendly gatherings to be alcohol-free, that is a great option, but some may be reluctant to join you in your alcohol-free holiday. If you need to leave a gathering early or limit the type of holiday events you attend to avoid being around alcohol, don’t beat yourself up. Remind yourself why you are going alcohol-free for the holiday and what the benefits are.

Focus on other elements or traditions of the holiday

Remember holidays are not about drinking or parties. Focus on other holiday traditions in your family, faith or culture and elements of the holiday season that you enjoy. Maybe you start a new holiday tradition in the absence of alcohol consumption this holiday season. Celebrate the fact that you can spend the time and energy you would have spent drinking or recovering from drinking celebrating the holiday in healthier ways.