Alcohol in December

[Chattycathydoll]

Most of the year I drink very, very little. However in December I’ve noticed I drink virtually every day - socially with friends or work do’s, or a glass of mulled wine when I wrap presents in the evening, or a baileys hot chocolate with a festive film. It’s never enough to feel drunk or even close, like on work events I stick to one medium glass then make my excuses to leave early or switch to soft drinks, but I’m wondering about the effect on my liver to have to process this on a daily basis- will it have an effect to drink alcohol every day throughout December? Do you think it’s problematic to do this?

I do this every year! Baileys per day fromDec1st, makes me feel festive! Plus more meals/drinks out. All other week days throughout the year, I don’t drink at all. Upto now, no harm done to my liver (that I know!).

I’m sure your liver will cope! It’s only for the month and if it’s only a small amount a day, I can’t see that this will do long term harm. However, if you feel worried, then don’t make it everyday, have a couple of days break in between.

Well you are supposed to have two consecutive alcohol free days per week so that would help if you could do this but I wouldn't worry about.

Do you think it’s problematic to do this?

Only if you keep going in January

This is not remotely problematic. It is what your liver does. I expect you also eat more junk food than at other times (mince pies etc) and those are also chemicals your body will want to expel.

You’ll be fine OP, you’re enjoying the festivities! We are a long time dead, at least you are enjoying yourself

May I recommend this poem English Weather by Wendy Cope

January’s grey and slushy,
February’s chill and drear,
March is wild and wet and windy,
April seldom brings much cheer.
In May a day or two of sunshine,
Three or four in June, perhaps.
July is usually filthy,
August skies are open taps.
In September things start dying,
Then comes October mist.
November we make plans to spend
The best part of December pissed.

This is cute.

The other ingredients in a Baileys hot chocolate are worse from your than the alcohol!

Not something I’m particularly worried about- more something I’m curious about! The stress we put on our bodies during this month - I’ve also eaten far more sugar and sat fats than I do the rest of the year and that’s without getting to the brandy cream... Do you think December indulgence has any effect on you?

I'm probably worse! I don't drink all year and then drink far too much at the Christmas do so once a year
By too much I mean 2 bottles of wine, 6 tequilas, Prosecco, Malibu....

What age are you @Chattycathydoll?

It’s one month. Do you generally have a healthy relationship with food and alcohol?

Late 20s :)

I’ve had food issues in the past but have been healthy for the last 8 years, never had any problems with alcohol, never been a big drinker tbh.

I don't think you need worry.

Binging is harmful. We used to pretty much ride from Xmas eve to new year drinking heavily. And the only positive was that you don't want to drink for a month or two after.

Oh God, that's a hell of a lot! If you don't normally drink drunk after half a bottle or so?

Sorry, that meant to say do you not get drunk after a bottle?

@determinedtomakethiswork nope. I have a really high tolerance despite the fact I barely drink now it's weird
Was the same at uni but obviously I drank more regularly then! Would usually have a bottle of wine before we went out