Not drinking at Christmas?! I know it might sound a bit… boring. Maybe even impossible.
When I was drinking, I couldn’t imagine getting through the festive season without alcohol.
All those parties, family gatherings, shopping, the stress of it – wine just seemed like an unmissable part of things.
But here’s what I’ve discovered since stopping: an alcohol-free Christmas is actually brilliant. Nowadays, you really couldn’t pay me enough to drink at this time of year.
Here are 10 reasons why being sober at Christmas is better than you think…
Key points
1. No embarrassing mistakes
Whether it’s putting the wrong labels on presents, forgetting something really important or doing something at your office party that you later regret… alcohol dramatically increases the chances of you doing something you later cringe at!
2. You have more energy
This is a tiring time of year. There are 101 things to sort out and I bet it’s mainly you who’s responsible for making it all happen, right? Not drinking will give you more energy and headspace for figuring this stuff out.
3. Your money goes further
If finances are tight right now, take a moment to work out how much you normally spend on booze at this time of year. This is a month when most of us go out more than usual. Drinking alcohol is guaranteed to make your bar bill much bigger.
4. Driving yourself home!
I still love being able to jump in my car at the end of a great night and drive myself home. No waiting around for a taxi, trying to flag one down or paying for an expensive Uber. Being able to go out and then leave exactly when you want to feels very freeing.
5. Less drama
Real life isn’t like a Christmas card. Real families argue and things go wrong. However, the chances of you getting into a row, or overreacting to something are massively reduced when you’re sober at Christmas.
6. Guilt-free festive food
A slice of Christmas cake contains at least 200 calories. A large glass of wine also contains around 200 calories. If you aren’t drinking, you’ve got room to indulge a bit more without feeling guilty!
7. Looking better
Alcohol dehydrates the skin, increases redness and can make you look puffy and bloated. It’s not a good look, and makeup can’t always hide it. I ask everyone I work with to take a before and after picture because your appearance will inevitably change.
8. No more acting
Pretending to be hangover-free and bursting with energy is draining. Trying to sneak a few extra drinks here and there without anyone noticing is also hard work… and that’s the last thing any of us needs.
9. More time
Sobriety gives you extra time in the day, which just feels great at this time of year. When you’re drinking, you don’t just lose time being drunk – it’s the sluggishness afterwards, the time lost worrying and the time spent putting things right and beating yourself up.
10. Make memories (instead of forgetting them)
At the end of the day, this is what this crazy time of year is all about, isn’t it? Alcohol robs you of your memories and can leave the most special days blurry and forgettable. Being sober at Christmas gives you those special moments back… and you can’t put a price on that.
Ready to create an alcohol-free life you love? Click here to learn more about my Getting Unstuck course.
14 responses
Sobriety allows me to show up for the day at 100% every day.
And when it’s warm out in the spring or summer, I love to be able to get to the park before eight and get my walk in
Totally agree with you Sara, being able to show up at 100% your best self is a fantastic sober bonus!
Merry Christmas Kate and Sober School Team!
I am thoroughly enjoying my life’s upgrade being sober. The best part is having so much “brain space”. Prior to being sober, all I thought about was drinking; when and where I could have my next drink. Drinking wine became favorite pass time. I lost out on doing things I once enjoyed. The one glass became the bottle then the bottle was not enough. I forgot conversations and good times. I apologized over and over again for my drunkenness’. I was ashamed. Now, I feel lighter and more engaged. I feel proud and strong.
Thanks for sharing a great benefit of being alcohol free at this time of year. There are so many other fun or important things that our brains can be working on, instead of thinking where the next drink is coming from. Wishing you a very Merry Christmas too! 🙂
There’s something about this blog which makes me feel really happy! I think it’s because whilst Christmas can involve events with alcohol, the benefits of not drinking are also magnified. Thank you Kate & Merry Christmas to you & your team of coaches.
So pleased the blog hit the right tone Louisa and a very Merry and hangover free Christmas to you too! ❤️
My favourite part of being sober at Christmas is Boxing Day! Boxing Day in the past for me used to involve horrendously painful hangovers, sometimes I would start drinking as soon as I got up if there was anything left in the bottle just because I couldn’t face the dark pit of gloom I was in. On one Boxing Day I went out drinking all day and was in a state, which my child also saw. Absolutely awful and shameful. Now I can get up early and fresh and go for a wonderful walk to work off the calories of Christmas Dinner, feeling grateful for the time with my family and looking forward to bringing in the New Year!
Thanks for that reminder! Yes, Boxing Day could be a write-off if drinking Christmas Day. An extra gift you’ve given yourself and your family for the festive season; time and presence. 🙂
Merry Christmas Kate! Due to you and your wonderful support group @ The Sober School, many of us will have a clear and lovely holiday. For me, a huge bonus for the second time was being awake and able to watch your English National Ballet last night with their fabulous performance of The Nutcracker. Beyond anything any other group can do, I am positive. In days of yore, I would have had too much wine to say awake!
Hi Cynthia, That sounds perfect and such a beautiful ballet to watch. Merry Christmas to you too!
I currently want to be two people – one that is happily sober and another that just enjoys a drink. That isn’t possible so it’s up to me to realise one is possible and the other is impossible. Happy Christmas, Kate xx
Merry Christmas Joanne! You may find this blog I did helpful in deciding https://thesoberschool.com/good-enough/
If it wasn’t for the fact that I log my drinking with the Drink Aware App I wouldn’t notice that I am drinking way over the recommended minimum amount of 14 units of alcohol per week. Which is very useful to know. As I I think it is a bad habbit that has got gradually worse over time without being noticed.
I do notice though that I do I honestly look quite older than my friends and family my age and i do lack energy.
I cannot wait to start the course. I want to look better and regain my energy. It would be wonderful! Cannot wait.
Hi Lynne, I am so pleased to see you’ve joined my free Masterclass too! I can’t wait to help you Get Unstuck.