According to the National Institutes of Health, your typical beer has over 150 calories, a glass of red wine is about 125, and a shot of spirits over 100 calories . By not drinking during the holidays, you can allocate those calories to better use – like stocking up at the dessert table. You can spend more time with the little sober holidays ones in your family. If you have younger kids in your family, this is a great opportunity to spend some time with them. Not only will you become the cool adult at the party, you’ll also become a genuine role model for them. Emily Lynn Paulson gave up drinking five years ago, but she remembers the struggle around the holidays.

If you feel uncomfortable about a family dinner, that’s enough. Consider how these family dinners played out in the past.

Take Care of Yourself (and your Recovery)

If you are in AA or NA, you begin to obsess about your drug of choice. Julie dreads holidays with her in-laws but feels like she has no choice in the matter. Then, when you’re ready to depart, or if you become worried about a relapse if you stay longer than you are comfortable, permit yourself to leave.

Back then, you probably didn’t remember deep conversations had with family or even your new little cousin’s first name. You can take advantage of this time with your loved ones, immerse yourself in the experience, and better connect with family and friends. Not to mention, you will remember the memories made. Bookending is another way for people in recovery to hold themselves accountable during the holidays.

Staying Sober During the Holidays

Next time you’re standing in a crowded home thinking you’re the only one struggling to deny yourself a sip, think again. All you have to do is take care of yourself and keep in mind that you are in recovery from something that kills people. Defense is the first act of war.Don’t engage and remember your safety lies in your defenselessness. And so it goes, that if you find yourself letting someone push your buttons, or find yourself defending something, you are perpetuating the problem.