The holidays can be a difficult time to stay sober for many reasons—from having to attend family events, to not having family events to attend, to proximity to alcohol.
Here are some tips to make it through the holidays sober.
1. Marathon meetings and Fellowship events. Almost all regular meetings still take place on holidays, and many Fellowships hold special round-the-clock marathons. Check the announcements section of the EBI (East Bay Intergroup) website. Or contact the Rockridge Fellowship or the In Between Fellowship for holiday event status.
2. Attend a Fellowship Potluck (see above for details on Fellowship holiday events.) Feel free to contribute anything, but all are always welcome, and they are always free.
3. Commit to service. Sign up to host a marathon meeting at a Fellowship. Get a service position so you’ll have to show up. Or maybe give someone a ride or get a new sponsee (or sponsor). There are many ways to be of service and get out of ourselves.
4. Reach out to newcomers. Even if you’re a newcomer, perhaps someone with a few less days than you would benefit from your experience. Our attendance at meetings isn’t only for ourselves, it’s to help others as well (which helps us).
5. Start a new tradition. Get together with (sober) friends for a Gratitude Celebration. Bake some cookies—even if you’ve never done it before. Decorate in a manner that is meaningful to you. Write an intention list. Find what’s positive about any holiday.
6. Adjust expectations. Just because we’re sober doesn’t mean that others will magically change, or even appreciate us. Bring an attitude of service and humility to any gathering, and when in doubt, don’t say it.
7. Remember, it’s still a day at a time. Holidays are still just one 24-hour period.