Ten Ways to Celebrate Being Sober During the Holidays
Not all of these will be for everyone. But hopefully anyone can find one thing on the list to enjoy.
1. Create a playlist of purely gorgeous and serene music, make yourself a cup of herb tea, cocoa, coffee, etc., and sit in a comfortable chair and just... listen. Eyes closed, let the music soak in. Breathe deep.
2. Knock on a neighbor's door with a box of cookies, candycanes, or other treat. Have a big smile on your face when the door opens. Say "Have wonderful holidays and a great New Year, glad you're my neighbor!"
3. Walk your neighborhood when the sun goes down, and enjoy the lights your neighbors put up. Stand and applaud for a moment before the particularly impressive ones. Whistle a holiday tune as you walk. (Don't forget to take along a flashlight to walk safely.)
4. Take out that cookbook you've been meaning to explore. Find a recipe that will use up some of the perishables in your cupboards, refrigerator and freezer. Make a glorious mess in the kitchen cooking. Have a cup of tea, and then clean it all up and enjoy the product of your work.
5. Telephone someone who hasn't heard from you in a while. Tell them that hearing their voice is your holiday gift to yourself, and share two great things that have happened to you in the past year. Especially if one of them is getting (and staying!) sober.
6. Find a meeting. Wear a holiday sweater, scarf, pin, or just tie a bow in your hair. Give AND receive the gift of experience, strength, and hope with others in recovery.
7. Write (you know, with an actual PEN?) a card to someone elderly. Tell them about the coolest thing you did last summer, or about something in your garden, or the funny thing your dog/cat did. Remind them they're in your thoughts. Address it, stamp it, walk to the letterbox and drop it in.
8. Try out the bubble bath or herbal soak someone gave you last year and you haven't used because you're really a shower person. Make a Big Deal out of it. Take a cup of tea in with you, dim the lights, and enjoy the warm water.
9. Stop at the tree lot and get some discount branches or garlands. Drive out to the cemetary and decorate the grave of someone you miss. Sit there for a little while and think about how their life blessed you. Sniffle a bit. Take a deep breath of piney smell and say "thanks" as you leave.
10. Core a couple of apples and cut them into chunks. Put them in your pocket and go to the dog park. Watch the dogs enjoy life. Ask their humans' permission and toss a few apple treats!
You are incredibly special. Whether you are alone or with friends, you can turn the holidays into a time to celebrate an amazing accomplishment- a sober life! And make the holidays into a time of serenity and joy. One day at a time.
appreciatively,
Bright
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