• Think ahead. Is it hard for you to be around alcohol? Be honest with yourself. Now is not a time for heroics. Keep your expectations realistic: if it is going to be too difficult, maybe this year is a time to do something different for NYE. Don't set yourself up to fail. You can spend a quiet time at home watching movies or hanging out with other friends, volunteer at a shelter serving food, or go to a meeting instead.
  
• If you do go out: be ready. You don't have to go to every fight you're invited to .. plan what you'll say or do if someone gives you a hard time.
  
• Have safe people to call - program their numbers into your phone in advance, and tell them you're going to call if things get tough. If everyone around you is drinking and it starts to bring you down, talking to someone else who is sober helps you remember that you are NOT alone.
  
• Hold your own non alc beverage of choice. This is especially important if you're going to be around people who don't know you're sober. If you always have a drink in your hand, people won't hand you alcohol or ask if you want something to drink.
  
• You don't have to over explain. If someone is pressuring you to drink, be ready with an answer.
  
• Have an escape plan. If you can, bring your own car, or have a getway plan there, if needed.
  
• Plan your exit in advance. Tell whoever is with you that you have to leave at a certain time so you don't get drawn in to staying longer than you want to.
  
• Remember to be proud of yourself - shame and guilt are huge triggers. Give yourself credit for staying strong.
  
• Think about the next morning, when you'll wake up hangover-free and rested. Think about how horribly you felt the morning after drinking, and how sober you don't wake up and think, "I wish I drank last night."
  
• Think through the drink. If you start romancing how nice "one drink" would be, remember how many times you told yourself you were only going to have one and failed. Having one is harder than having none, because once alcohol is in your system the obsession comes alive.
  
• Remind yourself that NYE is just one night. Don't put more importance on this day over any other.
  
• Go to bed. If the day is harder than you expected, go to bed early just to put the day to rest. Tomorrow is a new day.
  
• Believe in yourself. Getting sober and staying sober takes serious guts - you are brave and strong and true. If guilt, shame and remorse start talking to you, remind yourself that it's your disease sneaking in the back door. Let your sober voice ring loud and proud in your head.
  
• Forgive yourself for wanting to drink. Don't expect that you won't be hit with a craving; it's natural. Prepare for how you're going to handle the craving instead of berating yourself for having one.
  
• Be grateful. Try to focus on the gifts you have in your life, all the possibilities that lie in front of you, instead of all the things you can't have. Sober, you can do anything.

Go to bed. If the day is harder than you expected, go to bed early just to put the day to rest. Tomorrow is a new day.

For people in recovery, the holidays can be tough. Seeing family, visiting old friends, having unfulfilled expectations, maybe missing a loved one you lost this year — it can all lead to tension and sadness, as well as thoughts of using. Plus, temptation seems to be everywhere, given all the holiday parties you might be expected to attend.

Don’t let those fleeting feelings sneak up on you! Start planning now for how you’ll get through the holidays happy and sober.

Sober Holidays Tip #1: Remind yourself every day how good it feels to be sober (and how great it will feel come January 1).

Sober Holidays Tip #2: Keep your expectations realistic, so you don’t set yourself up for an emotional letdown.

Sober Holidays Tip #3: Limit the amount of time you spend with relatives who make you crazy.

Sober Holidays Tip #4: Plan activities other than just sitting around and gabbing.

Sober Holidays Tip #5: If the holidays mean being away from home and your home group, be sure to attend meetings wherever you are.

Sober Holidays Tip #6: If the holidays mean visiting your old hometown, take time to see old friends you enjoy; avoid those you used to drink or use drugs with.

Sober Holidays Tip #7: Take it easy!

Sober Holidays Tip #8: If you’re flying and feeling vulnerable, ask the flight attendant for help.

Sober Holidays Tip #9: Bring your own beverage.

Sober Holidays Tip #10: Plan your own celebrations.

Sober Holidays Tip #11: Be sure there is plenty of light in your life.

Sober Holidays Tip #12: Don’t romance the drink or drug.

Sober Holidays Tip #13: Be very careful about what you eat and drink.

Sober Holidays Tip #14: Make a plan for dealing with cravings.

Sober Holidays Tip #15: Being in recovery doesn’t mean instant heaven or a perfect life.

Sober Holidays Tip #16: It’s okay to tell people you are now in recovery.

Sober Holidays Tip #17: Make a plan for staying sober at parties.

Sober Holidays Tip #18: Stay sober at the party: Serve yourself.

Sober Holidays Tip #19: Stay sober at the party: Don’t go it alone.

Sober Holidays Tip #20: Stay sober at the party: Curb resentment.

Sober Holidays Tip #21: Stay sober at the party: Be ready to leave.

Sober Holidays Tip #22: Stay sober at the party: Take inventory the next day.

Sober Holidays Tip #23: Try not to stress about holiday gifts and expenses.

Sober Holidays Tip #24: Be ready to return to your regular routine.

Sober Holidays Tip #25: Stay in touch with sober friends.

Sober Holidays Tip #26: Give thanks.

Sober Holidays Tip #27: Wish others Happy Holidays.

Sober Holidays Tip #28: Don’t get hungry, angry, lonely, or tired.

Constant vigilance can bring great joy and happiness to your sober holiday season!

~EnJOY! - Nancy