What strikes me about my Christmas last year is my breakdowns in malls -- drunk shopping for presents and crying uncontrollably. Loathing myself and the holidays both. I feel stronger going into the season this year. So far, no drinks, no tears. I thought for years the booze was a coping mechanism. Couldn't leave the house without a few drinks in my system. Hell, I was drinking in the mornings. Was I ever wrong -- the booze isn't a coping mechanism. It's a poison. This will be my first sober Xmas in probably 20 years.
For those struggling in December/January, try to remember that alcohol makes it worse, not better. Please don't pick up that first drink.
Warm thoughts to everyone!