• Looks
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Fall
  • Shop My Instagram + IG Stories
    • Instagram
  • My Kind Of Sweet Home
  • The Sober Mom Life
  • Motherhood
    • #momlife
    • Pregnancy
      • Bump Updates
    • Postpartum
  • Beauty
    • Skincare
    • Hair
    • Makeup
  • Shop Our House
    • MUDROOM
    • KITCHEN
    • MY HOME OFFICE
    • PLAYROOM

my kind of sweet

Style. Sobriety. Mom Life.

Sobriety

On Being Sober During The Holidays

December 20, 2021

The holidays are in full swing! This is my second sober Christmas and NYE, and while I’m fully aware that doesn’t make me an expert (is there even such a thing?), I want to share my thoughts on being sober during the holidays…

For me, alcohol and the holidays were like a movie and popcorn. They went together. It was a no-brainer.

Holiday parties meant little to no food and more than a few glasses of prosecco or champagne.

A cozy night at home watching Love, Actually? A glass of red wine.

Wrapping presents by the fire? Red wine. (If I liked spiked egg nog, I’m sure that would’ve made its way in.)

New Year’s Eve? Well, duh. I mean, what’s the point of celebrating if it doesn’t include the bottle of Dom we’ve been saving?


When I decided to quit drinking on January 19, 2020, I didn’t know what that meant. Fresh off a party with bottomless champagne, I simply knew I was done. I didn’t want to suffer through another hangover. Life is too precious to spend an entire day useless on the couch.

I was scared. Would I be able to do it?

I wasn’t afraid of not being able to stop because I needed alcohol. I wasn’t addicted. I didn’t need alcohol to function. I wasn’t a daily drinker. I wasn’t even a weekly drinker.

Still, I knew the tie between alcohol and pretty much every event in my life ran deep.

Hell, I’m from Wisconsin. Beer runs through our veins.


Over the next few months, I decided to take a serious look at the affects of alcohol on my life.

When I looked back at celebrations, events, parties – pretty much any time alcohol was involved – it became clear that alcohol actually didn’t make anything better. Most of the time, it was to blame for times when shit hit the fan.

Would I have said that thing if I hadn’t had 3 glasses of wine? No.

Would my husband and I have gotten in that fight about nothing if we hadn’t been drinking? No.

Would the night have become fuzzy in my memory if I hadn’t been drinking? No.

(Here’s where I need to say: being sober doesn’t mean I don’t do or say things that I regret. I still make mistakes. Obvs. But it feels good to know that there isn’t a substance that is altering me. I am in control of what I do and say.)

Almost every single time, alcohol had promised to make my night FUN! EXCITING! And almost every single time, it had done the opposite. So, why did I keep trusting it and expecting it to keep its promise?

Wasn’t it time to trust myself instead?


There had to be another way.

If I took alcohol out of the equation, would those events and parties actually be (GASP)…more fun??

My brain had fused alcohol and celebration, so I had to teach it something else. I had to learn that the fun was never because of the alcohol.

I had to divorce the movie from the popcorn.


The experiment went well. Actually, it went better than well. It went fucking amazingly.

That’s not to say it wasn’t hard to see everyone around me enjoying festive drinks, while I was sipping on my not so festive mocktail. It was lonely and confusing at times.

I just had to remind myself of my goal: to see if life could be fun and full without alcohol.

The answer was always, and continues to be: Yes. FUCK YES.

If you’re newly sober this holiday season, give yourself a chance to find out that the alcohol wasn’t ever the thing.

The magic of the holidays isn’t found at the bottom of the champagne flute.

Look around you. Look inside you.

That’s the magic.

READ ABOUT MY FIRST SOBER NEW YEAR’S EVE HERE

LOVED THIS POST? PIN IT FOR LATER! XO

How to be sober during the holidays

Being sober during the holidays Giving Up Alcohol sober holidays Sobriety
by suzanne 
1 Comment

About suzanne

View all posts by suzanne

Related Posts

  • Let’s Talk About Sober Vacation
  • What’s In My Sobriety Toolbox?
  • When Does Sobriety Get Easier? | Answering Your Questions
  • The Sunday Sweet Edit | No. 14
previous article: The Sunday Sweet Edit | No. 13
next article: 2021 Most Loved | Style

Comments

  1. George Hummel says: December 20, 2021 at 11:41 am

    The most amazing thing for me is that after 9 years, I really know now what serenity is! And, I think need to escape from the world or situations that would drive me drink disappeared. All the best, wishing you a happy and sober new year!

    Reply

Leave Your Comments Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




HI! I’M SUZANNE…

 

Welcome to my little corner of the internet! Reheat your coffee from this morning. Pull up a chair. Get comfy. Chances are you came for a few style posts, but maybe you’ll stay for the sobriety and motherhood posts, too. I’m so glad you’re here… xo

  • View mykindofsweetblog’s profile on Facebook
  • View mykindofsweet’s profile on Twitter
  • View mykindofsweet’s profile on Instagram
  • View suzanneknower’s profile on Pinterest

SHOP MY INSTAGRAM + STORIES

Sign up and follow along!

Gain access to the exclusive private Facebook group and connect with other stylish mamas! Plus tips, tricks, giveaways + more!

Subscribe to:

summer favorites

BEAUTY FAVORITES

My Kind of Sweet - Finding Style In Motherhood

Popular Posts

  • How To: Beachy Waves For Fine Hair + My Favorite Hair Products
    How To: Beachy Waves For Fine Hair + My Favorite Hair Products
  • My Go-To Sites For Maternity Clothes
    My Go-To Sites For Maternity Clothes
  • Botox: Advice, Regrets And Before + After
    Botox: Advice, Regrets And Before + After
  • Bump Style: Second Trimester Maternity Outfit Ideas
    Bump Style: Second Trimester Maternity Outfit Ideas
  • Hysterectomy Recovery Must Haves
    Hysterectomy Recovery Must Haves

Archives

Ahalogy Badge Everywhere

DISCLOSURE

My Kind of Sweet is part of several affiliate advertising programs. This means that if you click and/or make a purchase through certain links, I may make a commission. All opinions are my own. For collaborations + advertising opportunities, please contact mykindofsweet@gmail.com

mykindofsweet

Style + sobriety. Fighting #mommywineculture while sharing casual cool style over 40 🖤 Also @thesobermomlife + @mykindofsweethome for home decor

suzanne | sobriety in style
Tomorrow I get to do something I’ve been wanting Tomorrow I get to do something I’ve been wanting to do for years. I will have a partial hysterectomy (leaving my ovaries). I’m 41 years old and it’s high time.  
 
I’ve lived with chronic uterine pain from fibroids for almost 20 years. It’s affected every part of my life, almost every single day. I’ve learned to deal with the pain and mitigate where I can. But still… 
 
We need to talk about fibroid pain. 
We need to talk about period pain.  
We need to talk about uterine pain. 
  
Most of all we need to listen to women when we say we’re in pain.  
 
Cramps HURT like hell. And while we’re strong enough to deal with the pain, maybe we’re just too damn tired to continue trying.  
 
And did you know? It’s called a “hysterectomy” because it was believed that women’s uteruses were making them hysterical.  
 
Let that sink in.  
 
I’m not hysterical.  
We’re not hysterical.  
We’re fucking warriors who have fought battles with our bodies.  
 
It’s time. 
♥️ 
 
#hystersister #hysterectomy #hysterectomyawareness #hysterectomysupport #womenshealthmatters #mentalhealth #fibroids #fibroidsawareness #healing #healingjourney #periodproblems #wombhealth #womenshealth
Hi, I’m Georgia☀️ (That last video though 🤍🐶) ⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
#australianlabradoodle #australianlabradoodles #australianlabradoodlesofinstagram #labradoodle #labradoodlecorner #labradoodlelife #labradoodlepuppy
My first sober girls’ trip. Done.    It’s My first sober girls’ trip. Done.   
It’s the firsts, sweet friends. Get through the firsts.   
Sharing all about it today on mykindofsweet.com.  
 
🖤 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
 #soberbabe #soberbabes #sobercommunity #sobercurious #soberfun #sobergirl #sobergirlsociety #soberissexy #soberjourney #soberlife #soberlifestyle #sobermom #sobermovement #sobernation #sobernotboring #soberwarrior #soberwomen #sobriety
Merry Christmas, sweet friends… ✨    Sendi Merry Christmas, sweet friends… ✨ 
 
Sending you light and love on this day that may be difficult for some. It’s amazed me all day that a heart so full can also feel a little broken. Maybe that’s just how it goes. ❤️ 
 
Swipe to see our last three Christmas family photos. Sometimes we get it together. 😉 
⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
#christmas2021 #christmas2021🎄🎅🎁 #christmasday #christmasdecor #christmasdecorating #christmasdecoration #christmasmagic #christmasmood #christmasphotoshoot
If anyone needs me after this highly emotional whi If anyone needs me after this highly emotional whirlwind weekend, I’ll be curled up, wearing this hooded blanket… 🖤 Shop it here —> https://liketk.it/3u7o7 ⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
#amazondeals #amazonfashion #amazonfashionfinds #amazonfinds #amazoninfluencer #amazonstyle #fashionstyle #founditonamazon #founditonamazonfashion
Cozy, chic + on sale! 💥 My puffer is 20% off an Cozy, chic + on sale! 💥 My puffer is 20% off and I found my belt bag for less than $200, which is 🍌🍌 It’s all linked in today’s Daily Edit here —> https://mykindofsweet.com/mkos_daily_look/cozy-chic/ 🖤 ⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
.⁣
#athleisure #casualoutfits #liketkit #ltksalealert #puffer #puffercoat #pufferjacket #pufferjackets #winterclothes #winterclothing #winterfashion
Take me back! 😍 Are you guys shopping this cybe Take me back! 😍 Are you guys shopping this cyber insanity?? I’ll be sharing all the deals tomorrow, but now I’m breaking for #rhoslc. Obvs. 😉  
 
I stumbled on so many adorable mama + mini matching sweatshirts on sale that I had to share this moment from last year! I linked them all here —> http://liketk.it/3tagR 🖤📸 @ironandhoney 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
#mamaandme #mamaandmini #mamaandminiadventures #mamaandminiclothing #mamaandminifashion #mamaandminimatching #mamaandminishirts #motherhoodinspired #shopsmallbusiness
Let the sales begin! 💥 (Also let’s be honest Let the sales begin! 💥 (Also let’s be honest they began like a few days ago and Black Friday is now Cyber Week, but STILL!)  
 
Sharing a HUGE Black Friday sales round up on mykindofsweet.com 🙌🏻 Swipe for a few of my tried and trues that are included and should probs be on your list… 🎁🖤  
 
I’m sharing my home decor same faves on @mykindofsweethome so be sure to follow me over there, too! ✨ 
 
Also head to stories for some personal shopping and leave me a request if you have one! I’ll find it 😉😘  
⁣ 
Phew! Time for more pie. 😉 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
#cyberweek #cyberweeksale #liketkit #ltkunder100 #ltkunder50 #ltkstyletip #affordablefashion #ltkshoecrush #liketoknowit #ltksalealert  
📸 @ironandhoney
So much to have and hold. And so thankful for it a So much to have and hold. And so thankful for it all. 🖤  
 
To this sweet community - thank you for your support and for allowing me to stumble and create and share and be vulnerable.  
 
And to anyone who is celebrating their first sober Thanksgiving, you’ve got this. The firsts are always the hardest. You will wake up tomorrow morning with a clear mind and you’ll realize that the magic was never the alcohol. It was you. Your family. And connection.  
 
Keep going. ❤️ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
#boozefree #hangoverfreeclub #soberholiday #gratitude #soberfriday #soberwarrior #soberweekend #thanksgiving2021 #thanksgivingday #thanksgivingfun 📸 @jessiehearnphotography
I’m so excited to share our family photos + a fu I’m so excited to share our family photos + a fun gift idea with @minted! #ad 
I love to find luxe, custom gifts for our family and this heart snapshot print is just perfect. It’s a great keepsake gift grandparents who want to stay connected to the little ones. I have ours hanging in my girl’s room because she spotted it and claimed it and I just couldn’t say no. 😉 
Use code SUZANNEGIFTS to save 20% + Free Shipping until Dec 5th! 
Swipe to see a few of our family photos from this year and head to mykindofsweet.com for more unique gift ideas with Minted. 🖤 #mintedholiday #mymintedmoment
Happy Halloween from a Minion, Gru, Dr. Nefario + Happy Halloween from a Minion, Gru, Dr. Nefario + two witches (not pictured 😉)! 🎃 
  
(Also, my girls wanted me to be Lucy, but I think Dr. Nefario is way cooler. I mean, c’mon. Steampunk googles.)   
  
Hope your day was more treat than trick! 🖤 ⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
#familycostume #halloweencostume #halloweencostumes #halloweenfun #halloweenideas #halloweeniscoming #halloweenseason #halloweentime #happyhalloween
Book the flight.     Take the trip.     An Book the flight.  
 
Take the trip.  
 
And if you need to recharge, I can’t recommend @miravalresorts enough. #notanad Sharing all about our time there today on mykindofsweet.com. ✨ ⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
.⁣ 
#holisticwellness #luxurytravel #meditation #wellnessadvocate #wellnessblogger #wellnessretreat #wellnesswarrior #yogagram #yogainspiration #yogalife #yogapractice
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Copyright © 2022 · Theme by Georgia Lou Studios, customized by Meyne

Copyright © 2022 · Prima Donna on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in

Lost your style in the chaos of motherhood?

Sign up to get my 5 simple tips to elevate your mama style!
(It's easier than you think.)

Subscribe to:
{"cookieName":"wBounce","isAggressive":false,"isSitewide":true,"hesitation":"2","openAnimation":"fadeIn","exitAnimation":false,"timer":"","sensitivity":"","cookieExpire":"4","cookieDomain":"","autoFire":"","isAnalyticsEnabled":false}