7 things I've learnt being sober over the festive period for four years

As a former binge drinker, the thought of a dry festive season once seemed unimaginable. Now years in, I've learnt a few things along the way about how to make it work - and have fun!

If you're toying with the idea of sobriety or just reconsidering your relationship with alcohol, my journey might resonate with you. 

As a former binge drinker, the thought of a dry festive season once seemed unimaginable. I used to get way too excited about festive work drinks and holiday happy hours, and by the end of December, the whole month was just one big blur. 

But it wasn't just the festive season, it was all year round. I used to be the quintessential 'party girl', always up for a night out, never turning down a chance to raise a glass (or several). Then as the years passed, I started to feel the toll it was taking — not just physically, but mentally and emotionally as well. I realised that my relationship with alcohol was more complex and unhealthy than I had admitted to myself.

So, in December 2019 I decided to quit booze, which wasn't easy during that time of year. It kind of felt like ripping off my introverted self's security blanket.

I was so nervous about how it would affect my social life and my ability to enjoy the fun and festivities going on, but, I did it! 

Fast forward to now and I'm embracing my fifth Christmas sans alcohol.

Here are some insights and lessons I've picked up along the way. 

Want to join the family? Sign up to our Kidspot newsletter for more stories like this. 

Image: Supplied

RELATED: Best non-alcoholic drinks to try in 2023: Spirits, wine, beer, RTDs

1. You adjust to a new normal very quickly

One of the first things I learned was how quickly we adapt. Yes, you might have done all previous Christmases with a glass of bubbly in hand, but once that's not there anymore, you'd be surprised how capable you are of holding your own. The 'real you' comes out and it's unfiltered and authentic and so wonderful (I promise!).

I will say, it did help that we were also going through a global pandemic at the time, so I felt like I was really in my 'adjusting to major life changes' era. 

But pandemic or not - don't underestimate yourself or your ability to adapt and change into a better version of yourself. 

As F. Scott Fitzgerald said, "It’s never too late, or in my case too early, to be whoever you want to be. There’s no time limit. Start whenever you want."

RELATED: Why it’s time to change our ‘Mummy Wine Culture’

2. The pros outweigh the cons

For me, I've found that the benefits of not drinking far exceed the drawbacks, especially during the festive period. 

Imagine driving to events without worrying about how you're going to get home and then waking up the next day, clearheaded with no 'hangxiety'. 

Sobriety gives you control, and trust me, your friends will be jealous of you.

Image: Not Guilty / Supplied

3. There's a lot to be said about a good zero-alcohol drink 

You're either in one of two camps - you don't think you should have to replace alcohol with something that mimics the taste of it (you're happy with a soft drink or soda water) OR you love trying different alcohol-free mocktails, the latest zero sparkling or a dry beer. 

There's no right or wrong way to go about this, but personally, I love having a good non-alcoholic drink in hand while socialising. 

I don't know what it is about it, but it just makes me focus less on the lack of alcohol and more on the interactions I'm having. 

My current favourites are any of the wines from Not Guilty, as you can pick them up from your local Coles on your way to an event, or the 0% Sparkling Brut from Giesen, perfect for celebrating. 

4. If you can get through the silly season sober, you can get through anything sober

Seriously, if you get to January 1st without drinking, you're setting a pretty good foundation for the rest of the year if you decide to continue.

I always liken going sober through Christmas to training at high altitude - once you're back to regular life, you'll feel way stronger and capable of handling any sort of social situation sober. 

Image: Supplied

5. You'll appreciate everything and everyone more

Not to get all mushy, but sobriety allows you to fully engage with everything and everyone over the holiday period and really savour every moment. 

Christmas day doesn't just need to be about getting drunk.

It can just be about eating great food, catching up with people you love, and of course, having a post-lunch nap (but not because you're pissed, just pleasantly full.)

6. It's normal to have doubts

Here's a less fun, but very important reminder.

It's natural to second-guess your choice of sobriety, especially when you might feel like you're not living up to others' expectations of being the 'life of the party'. 

But staying true to yourself is crucial here (sorry for the mush again).

The people in your life who genuinely wish you well will support your decision. 

And remember, this is about becoming the best version of YOU, not conforming to societal norms. 

7. It's okay to say no to things and stay home and watch Christmas movies and eat mince pies

Weirdly specific? Yes. True? Also yes. 

Let me explain.

Over the first few Christmases, I felt like I needed to prove myself as a sober gal and show people I was still just the same person I was beforehand. 

I would say yes to every invite and make sure I wasn't the first one to go home. I cared about optics, a lot.

But the truth is, you're not the same person you were beforehand, and you don't need to pretend to be either. 

Now I approach this period by prioritising my happiness, and if that means leaving a Christmas party early to watch Christmas movies in bed, then so be it. 

The festive season is hectic enough as it is, there's no need to drain your social battery completely. 

Originally published as 7 things I've learnt being sober over the festive period for four years