Have you ever counted up all the things you have to deal with after a night of drinking? Honestly, the hangover is just the beginning!

If you’re debating whether or not to stay sober over the festive season, I’ve got something important to share with you today.

There are 18 things that staying sober will save you from during your next party or family gathering. It’s important you know exactly what you’re letting yourself in for when you pick up a drink…

Here’s my list of 18 things:

1. Freedom from the mind games

No more agonising over how much you can drink, when to start or whether you’ll get your fill. The mental gymnastics vanish, leaving you free to just enjoy the event.

2. No bartender battles

Skip the hassle of angling for the bartender’s attention. You’re free to relax and socialise without worrying about refills.

3. No scary credit-card bills

Sober nights mean no shocking bar tabs or impulsive rounds for others. Your wallet will thank you.

4. Avoid embarrassment

There’ll be no awkward moments or drunken behaviour to haunt you for months – especially in front of work colleagues or family.

5. Better connections

Sobriety lets you focus on meaningful conversations and genuine connections which, after all, are the real point of social gatherings.

6. No forgotten moments

You’ll actually recall the details of conversations, ensuring you’re present and supportive for friends who may need you.

7. No more disconnect

Alcohol creates a bubble that hinders communication and connection. Staying sober ensures clarity and avoids miscommunication.

8. Leave with all your belongings

No more misplaced phones, purses or keys. Sobriety keeps you mindful of what you came with.

9. Drive yourself home

Skip the costly, often-unreliable taxi ride. Driving home late at night on clear roads is a feeling of pure freedom.

10. Avoid junk-food cravings

Sobriety helps you dodge the late-night, fast-food binges and the next-day, greasy breakfasts.

11. No need to get your fill at home

You know that feeling when you’ve had just one or two glasses in public, but it wasn’t really satisfying enough? Trying to drink moderately can fuel an alcohol binge when you get home – by staying sober you can skip this altogether.

12. Stay on top of responsibilities

Sobriety ensures you don’t forget life’s little tasks, like letting out the dog or prepping for the next day.

13. No social-media regrets

Staying sober means you’ll avoid oversharing on social media or texting things you wish you hadn’t. Waking up remembering everything is priceless.

14. Go to bed properly

The sober version of you will have the energy to get undressed properly, remove make-up, floss your teeth and get comfortable – no waking up in yesterday’s clothes.

15. No early-morning, wake-up calls

If you’re sober and you’ve been out the night before, you might wake up a bit tired. But that’s nothing compared to staggering to bed in the early hours and waking up just a few hours later, unable to sleep.

16. Skip the hangover

This one’s a no-brainer. No headaches, nausea or groggy mornings to ruin the day ahead.

17. No fear of judgement

You’ll avoid the post-party anxiety of wondering exactly what you said or what others think about your actions.

18. Stop the f**k its

Sobriety keeps you from falling into a spiral of: “I’ve ruined it, may as well keep drinking”. By staying sober at your next festive party, you can prevent a weekend – or even a whole week – of drinking because there doesn’t seem any point in trying to “be good”.