First sober Xmas, anyone else?

[Gertrudegrump]

Sober for 8 months now. First sober Xmas and it’s really triggering me, more than I thought it would! The champagne offers, the mulled wine, the adverts etc.
i have to remember it’s never just one drink for me, ever.
any ideas how to stay focused and not let it get me down?
I’ll never be able to drink again and not end up losing everything (10+ years of heavy drinking under my belt and finally quit cold turkey)
solidarity to anyone in the same situation x

It’s so hard, because alcohol is everywhere at the moment! I think it’s one of those times where you need to “play it forward” - remember what really happens when you drink, not the pretty idea your brain is showing you. And stock up with AF alternatives, if they are something you find helpful.

There are lots of us on this thread who will be sober at Christmas- you’ll be made very welcome and it might help to know you’re not alone!

Winter alcohol free thread

Not my first ever, quit for a few months before and had a sober one couple of years back. But it's for good this time. 5 months in. Was a bit triggered recently at my birthday and for my Baileys coffee at xmas. I've stocked up on Noseco and Baileys hot chocolate. I know I'll never regret not drinking, even if there are some hard days. Life is peaceful now and my anxiety is under control. I guess just keep going back to your why and how you felt when you decided to quit.

It’s my 3rd. Get some nosecco and some expensive alcohol free gin and posh tonic. Serve in the correct glassware. I’m not a fan of alcohol substitutes all year round but they have their place, Christmas Day being one. It’s nice to feel like you’re having a treat and joining in.

It’s my 16th. Or 15th, I lose track. It’s always been easy- as in no harder than any other day. However- Beware!! It could have been one more that, as after my first sober Christmas and New Year and birthday (8 days) I drank again. So my advice would be- work it after Christmas, not just after.

It's my third. Last year I was at an all inclusive resort for Christmas and still didn't cave- it can be done!

Think about when you sit down with a cold drink and relax... most of the appeal is actually stopping and spending a moment on yourself, sipping a cold lemonade in a fancy glass with ice is 99% as good. Have you got some appealing non alcoholic alternatives to hand?

Play it forward- waking up fresh the next day never gets old. I've also saved over £2500 which is great!

@Grenoble124 shut the front door-Baileys hot chocolate?! That is non alcoholic?! Where can I get some 😍

Yes less than 0.5% so considered AF. Got mine in Lidl x

Me too! And it's hard, it is! I know it is silly, but I used to love a glass of baileys when I was wrapping presents, a glass of wine when cooking.

But, as I keep on telling myself, it wasn't 'a glass', was it?

Gotta say, NOT loving that the girls have discovered cocktails. Did they have to do that this year, the little buggers?!

Staying strong though. (Grits teeth, tries to park bad temper away from everyone else. . .)