Good for you Rainyengland. And I'd just add that last Christmas was my first sober one since I was a child (apart from the years when I've been pregnant) and it was the best Christmas ever! A few friends commented on my sobriety in a negative way and now I come to think of it, I haven't seen too much of those friends this year. I don't have any hard feelings towards them, it's just we have nothing in common now I don't drink.
Remembering how fantastic last Christmas was makes me so thankful I don't drink anymore. Alcohol adds nothing to Christmas. We're all brainwashed to believe we have to have a few drinks to be sociable and have fun but it's a total lie. Christmas has always been my favourite time of year and it still is. It's even better now I'm sober. Just wish it would hurry up and start. I'm guessing October is too early to put the tree up???