How to Have a Sober Christmas and Enjoy it.

At Christmas, alcohol feels like part of the furniture.

It’s everywhere. In the adverts, in the gift sets, in the “Go on, have one” comments, in the idea that you’re not properly celebrating unless you’ve got a glass in your hand by midday.

So if you’re having a sober Christmas, or you’re taking a break from drinking, you can feel a bit… exposed. The odd one out.

The good news is you don’t need superhero willpower. You just need a few simple things in place so the day doesn’t run away with you.

Start with one decision: what are you drinking today?

If you leave it to chance, you’ll end up with whatever is closest, and that’s when it gets tricky.

Pick your drinks in advance and make them something you actually want. Not just “something without alcohol”, but something you’re looking forward to. A decent sparkling AF option, a posh tonic with lime, a fancy kombucha, whatever works for you.

Put it in a nice glass. Add ice. Make it feel like a treat. Because it is.

Eat like you mean it

This is such an underrated one.

Christmas Day can be long, and hunger does a brilliant job of making everything feel more dramatic than it needs to. The same goes for being tired.

So eat breakfast. Keep nibble bits around. Don’t do the thing where you’re so busy cooking or hosting that you forget to feed yourself, then wonder why you’re suddenly desperate for a drink at 4 pm.

If you’ve got a wobbly moment, try this first: eat something, drink some water, sit down for five minutes. You’d be amazed at how often that changes the mood.

Build in a couple of mini breaks

Even if you love Christmas, it can be full on. Noise, chat, family dynamics, constant togetherness, the kitchen running like a production line.

Give yourself a few planned exits. Nothing dramatic. Just small reset moments:

• a quick walk around the block

• ten minutes outside with a cup of tea

• “I’m just popping upstairs a sec”

• offering to take the rubbish out (honestly, it counts)
  

You don’t need to be available for everyone all day.

Have a line ready for the “Go on, have one” crowd

You don’t owe anyone a deep explanation. Especially not on Christmas Day.

A few simple options you can keep in your back pocket:

• “I’m not drinking today.”

• “I want to keep it together today.”

• “I feel better without it.”

• “No thanks, I’m good.”
  

Then change the subject. Ask them something. Offer them a mince pie. Walk away to “check the potatoes”. You’re not here to convince anyone.

The craving moment: what to do when it hits

If you get that sudden urge, it helps to remember it usually passes quicker than you think, as long as you don’t sit there having a full-blown debate with it.

Try this instead:

1. Pour yourself an AF drink you like (straight away).

2. Eat something.

3. Move your body for two minutes. Even just pacing the kitchen or stepping outside.

4. Give yourself ten minutes doing anything else (wash up, message a mate, play with the dog, put on music, scroll, whatever).
   

Acknowledge it, deal with it, let it pass.

When Christmas is emotional (because it often is)

Let’s be honest, Christmas can be lovely and still bring up stuff.

It can be memories. It can be family history. It can be loneliness. It can be pressure to be cheerful when you’re not feeling it.

And alcohol has often been the quick fix for that. Not because it’s solving anything, but because it softens the edges.

So when you're sober, it helps to be a bit kinder with your expectations. You don’t need to make the day perfect. You just need to get through it in a way you respect when you wake up tomorrow.

My favourite Christmas Day tip

Have an exit plan. Even if you don’t use it.

Knowing you can leave at a reasonable time (or step away for a bit) takes the pressure off. You’re not trapped. You’ve got options.

And honestly, one of the best parts of a sober Christmas is waking up on Boxing Day feeling clear-headed. No hangover, no dread, no mental replay, no “Oh no, what did I say?”

Just you, a cup of tea, and a calm morning.

That’s a pretty good gift to give yourself.

Merry Christmas. 🤍🎄