How to drink mindfully during the holidays
I had to give a little chuckle and lol thinking about how I didn’t need an ounce of alcohol this Thanksgiving. You want to know why I laughed our loud? I was reminded of a Thanksgiving where I hide bottles of wine in the car because I had to spend Thanksgiving around my in-laws. It was never a fun experience, especially since I felt like they were ganging up on me. At the last family gathering the wine that I brought was all used up and they refused to open the alcohol they had. This time, I came prepared to pass out in the car to avoid their insults and unkind behavior. I may make it sound worse than it was, but it was pretty bad, so I decided to drink away the unhappy holidays with the in-laws and make it bearable by numbing the holidays. I excused myself to the car to rest and get some air and peacefully hid away for some alone time. Wow, am I REALLY happy not to have to spend another Thanksgiving like that again!
I’m guessing a lot of you feel the same way - like you have to hide alcohol to get through the holidays with the in-laws. I feel for you! It might be time to start planning an exit plan or figure out how to finally choose you and just say no to toxic family gatherings. Whatever the case may be, the holidays can bring on extra stress, extra excuses to drink alcohol and extra ways to be hungover. With the festive atmosphere, it can be easy to get carried away, but practicing mindfulness can help you savor the moment and stay in control.
Maybe this year is the year that you decide to drink differently and be mindful with your drinking this holiday season.
Here are some tips on how to drink mindfully this holiday season.
Just Say No - I’m sure that’s normally not like you. I’m sure you are the life of the party and the person who never says no to an afterwork drink. But, maybe it’s time to just say no and go. Honesty, is the best policy, but I get the pressures of telling friends you aren’t drinking tonight. Besides just saying no and go, some valid holiday excuses for not drinking alcohol this holiday season are: I’ve got to go Christmas shopping, We have a movie marathon with the kids tonight, I’ve got some friends that are in town for the weekend, My parents are coming to celebrate the holidays, I’ve got an end of the year deadline that I’ve procrastinated on, I’ve ate too many sweets from the office kitchen and don’t feel well, Santa called and needs my help/ Mrs. Clause and I are baking cookies, I think there’s a bad storm headed our way…just to name a few festive ones.
Have a Plan - If you can be a one drink person, plan to only have one drink. That can be tough for me, so if I’m not safely in my home then I’ll just say no and ask for a rain check another time. With the busyness of the holidays rain checks normally come during spring time. Maybe you still want to be friendly but skip the alcohol - consider hosting and toasting at your home. What is that you ask…
Hosting and Toasting at Home - That’s my way of saying you are still going to celebrate but do it a little under cover in your own home. Our the wine for the friends and make the non-alcoholic stuff in your home. Restaurants and bars are hit and miss with mocktails. Plus, I’m cheap and would rather make something tasty at home than pay $15 for a mocktail at a bar. Give your friends the options of going alcoholic or nonalcoholic. If you are going to be tempted by having wine, with alcohol at your house, send it home with your friend or pour it down the drain as soon as they leave - don’t be tempted to drink. Also, buy yourself some non-alcoholic wine if you want to still feel like you are drinking. You can have the wine poured already with the nonalcoholic version in your hand when you open the door.
Your Not Drinking May Encourage Others - Being mindful means being present and in the moment. I wasn’t present when I was buzzed! Explaining to your friends that you really didn’t like the way alcohol made you feel and that you are taking a break from it may encourage others to do the same. Set the example and they might follow! I can sleep better, think better and do a few other things a whole lot better than when I was buzzed, hungover or was having hangxiety (anxiety from drinking a few nights a week).
Focus on What Matters - Be present in your surroundings. The holidays are a time of being thankful, grateful, appreciative of your surrounds, and filled with the holiday spirit of joy. Focus on the good around you. Pay attention to conversations, music, and the overall mood of the gathering.
Stock the Shelves - Deck your halls with non-alcoholic beverages! Stock your pantry and shelves with non-alcoholic favorites. One of the easiest ways to not be tempted to drink alcohol was for me to not have it in my house. I wasn't tempted to drink because I didn't have it around. Instead, I had other tasty options - sparkling flavored water, ginger beer (ginger beer isn't made of alcoholic beer), juices, and Enjoy Mocktails products like our non-alcoholic Cinnamon Fire Whiskey and our non-alcoholic whiskey beverages. I had alternatives that tasted great and also made me feel great.
Rather than drinking out of habit or to fill awkward moments, try to engage in the experience fully. If you find your mind wandering, take a moment to pause and refocus on the present moment.
Drinking mindfully during the holidays is all about balancing enjoyment with awareness. If this is your season to think about not drinking, find ways to choose other activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. This is also a reminder to say no to the things that don’t bring you joy and peace. It’s ok to choose you and choose the things that you want to do this holiday season. Other ways to drink mindfully this holiday season would be to have a plan before you go out or host and toast at home. By choosing not to drink alcohol this holiday season you may encourage others to do the same - this sounds like a great gift to give!
Happy Holidays from our family to yours!
Enjoy Mocktails