The holidays can be a busy but fun time to share with family and friends. But if you are sober or in recovery, you may find holidays stressful with the worry that you will encounter alcohol or drugs at holiday parties and gatherings. You can help eliminate holiday stress if you plan ahead for fun, substance-free activities to enjoy.
Ten Sober Holiday Activities
There are plenty of holiday activities to enjoy with your family and friends while sober. The following activities are sure to put you in the holiday spirit while keeping you focused on your recovery.
- Volunteer. Volunteering over the holidays is a great way to give back and can be very rewarding. Not only will you feel good about yourself, but you will be keeping busy by helping others in need. You can volunteer at churches, homeless shelters, animal shelters, community centers, and much more. If you feel lonely during the holidays, volunteering is a great way to be around others while doing something positive for your community.
- Winter outdoor activities. Endless outdoor activities are available during the holiday season. You can enjoy ice skating, ride a sled, or build a snowman. A winter hike through the snow is a great way to exercise while enjoying the season. Afterwards, you can warm up near a fire with a cup of hot chocolate.
- Decorate a gingerbread house. Start a family tradition and decorate a gingerbread house together during the holidays. This activity is fun for all ages and can be a great way to spend time together without being tempted to drink or use a substance.
- Check out local holiday light displays. Take a drive around your community to check out local holiday light displays and decorations. Play holiday music while you drive to add to the festive mood and lift your spirit. If you live in a city, take a walk around to look at window displays, decorations, and more.
- Bake cookies. There is no better way to get into the holiday spirit than by baking some delicious cookies. Put on your favorite holiday apron and have fun baking and decorating cookies with your family and friends. To go along with the cookies, you can serve non-alcoholic drinks such as alcohol-free eggnog, coffee, and milk.
- Host a movie night. Put on your pajamas, make some popcorn, and have a marathon of holiday movie classics. A relaxing night at home can give you a break from the stress of the holiday season while spending time with those close to you.
- Decorate a tree. If you celebrate Christmas, gather your family around, put on a Santa hat, and pull out all your decorations for the tree. This activity can be fun for the entire family and is a great way to put you in the holiday spirit. You can make it an annual tradition to cut down a tree at a local tree farm.
- Host a holiday dinner. Consider hosting a sober holiday dinner with your closest family and friends. You can ask each guest to bring their favorite holiday dish or take on the task of doing the dinner yourself. Be sure to have a variety of non-alcoholic drinks to offer your guests–and ask that they do not bring their own alcohol.
- Go caroling. Not only is caroling fun for those singing but it can put a smile on other people’s faces as well. Gather some friends, wear holiday attire, and take a stroll around town singing your favorite carols. You may want to visit a local nursing home to share your holiday cheer with others. After caroling, serve festive non-alcoholic drinks and show your friends that you can still have fun while staying sober.
- Attend 12-step recovery meetings. If you attend 12-step meetings, don’t stop attending during the holidays. You may even want to attend more frequently. It is always a good idea to have a support system in place and somewhere safe you can go if the holidays become overwhelming.
Twin Lakes Can Support You
You don’t have to feel alone this holiday season when help is available 24/7 at Twin Lakes Recovery Center. We can offer detox and treatment programs as well as support through our alumni groups. To find out more about our programs and all we have to offer, contact one of our addiction specialists to set up a confidential consultation by filling out our convenient online contact form.
