What's your Recovery Plan for Christmas?

[Dawn10]

:santasmil
For many of us the gift of sobriety is new and exciting, but scary. For some of us it is a way of life. The holidays can be very stressful as we gather with loved ones and friends. Expectations are high and many times the expectations fall short of the "ideal Christmas" that we see on TV and in the movies. This can be a big trap to fall back into old patterns of behavior. (Translation:--using, drinking)

For me, I have had to learn to set up healthy boundaries. Since relationships are a trigger for me, I have had to decide what I will and will not accept at family gatherings. I will give warnings calmly if those behaviors that are not acceptable begin, and if they continue I will leave the place. I have had to practice this over the years, but it does work.

So--how about you? What is your plan to maintain your clean and sober status?
:elfmxmas

[Lbad]

Meetings! Meeting! Meetings! and clean and sober friends!!!!!!!!!!!!! Alcathons if I get weird. There are NA and AA meetings 24 hours a day right now in most cities.
God Bless and Merry Christmas to everybody at Sober Recovery!!!!!!

[Jane63]

Hiya {{{Dawn}}}
For me, I plan to stay clean and recovered even though the last day or two I have been stressed to the MAX!! But I get this way every year so it is nothing new and I just deal with it, take lots of naps, remember to breath and realise there are just some things I will have to let go!!

I agree...setting boundaries for healthy relationships is important...Seems sometimes we forget about ourselves at Christmastime when we are so caught up in giving to others and if we are not happy ourselves then it is kinda hard to spread happiness to others too!!
Christmas {{{HUGS}}} :elfmxmas

Jane

[Done-With-It]

Put one foot in front of the other, and when the foot keeps trying to go back, Pull it forward......
The anxiety though, I dunno, It's got a mind of it's own.... Thanks for making me think about this though. It's so easy to want to slip right now and blame it on the Holidays.
I can slide my sandals but I will never slip.Thanks for reminding of that.

[Sugah]

My homegroup meeting is tonight, Christmas Eve. I also have four children between 12 & 17 whom I'd like to spend the evening with. What to do?

I explained to the kids how important holiday meetings are -- that not everyone is so fortunate to have a safe, sober environment in which to spend their holiday. I told them that we'd like to be with them as well. So...they all agreed that in order for us to be together, we're all going to the meeting. My kids spent time in the rooms when their father and I were in very early recover, so it's a "brush up" for them, as well.

We'll be doing the same thing New Year's Eve, however, the kids won't be going. They'll be at home watching the kraut and pork in the oven and getting things ready for us to bring a convoy of sober drunks/druggies home to have a New Year's Eve party. Food, music, & poker -- and fellowship.

Hope you all find your way to a safe, sober place and help carry the message to those trying to find their way.

Peace & Love,
Sugah

[Dawn10]

Sugah,
That is awesome! I think it is wonderful that you have such an open line of communication with your kids that they are able to understand.
Have a great time!

[Sugah]

Great meeting last night. Christopher spent his time filling coffee for an oldtimer who doesn't get around well and making origami cranes for everyone (he's 16 -- a big kid). Sage, helped me walk because I insisted on wearing high heels. Jade & G.K. sat in the hallway reading until the end of the meeting. All four joined in the circle for the prayer at the end. Was a beautiful Christmas Eve. All four were in bed by 11pm so that Santa didn't have to wait all night to come.

I'm wishing you all a peaceful and joyous day.

Peace & Love,
Sugah