Yule be okay: 4 steps to ‘sleigh’ sober over the festive break
For many people, the festive period is a time for getting a little merry — in more ways than one. It often comes with boozy parties, supermarket towers of Baileys and bubbles, and endless traditional tipples of eggnog, mulled wine, and buck’s fizz.
But for those who are in recovery, sober or thinking about going sober, the constant bombardment of booze can make the holidays a difficult time to navigate. If you’re looking to manage and enjoy being sober over the festive break, here are four simple steps to help you along the way.
1. Have a support network
You don’t need to do this alone — tell someone you trust that you’ll be sober over the holidays. This could be a fellow sober buddy who you know will be around (or only a phone call or message away), or just a close friend or family member who can be there to support you in whatever way you need.
2. Plan your festive drinks ahead
Stock up on your favourite alcohol-free drinks like pop, ginger ale, and 0% beers, ciders and fizz. Fill your fridge and bring your favourites along to parties so you always have an alcohol-free beverage on hand. Being sober doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the festive fun. There’s plenty of festive mocktails you can make to feel part of the holiday buzz without the booze.
3. Take some time-outs
If you’re new to being sober or you’re in recovery, the festive period can be intense, no matter where you are or who you’re with. Plan little breaks for yourself on the days that you know will be full-on — it’s okay to have space and time to yourself! Taking yourself off for a nice walk or finding a quiet spot to read, nap or just have some downtime will help rejuvenate you if you start to feel overwhelmed.
4. Try to avoid traps and triggers
Put your health and wellbeing first; if that means prioritising staying sober over the holidays, then you may want to avoid certain people and places that might trigger you or make you feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. If you can’t fully avoid that problem-place, party or person (as can be the case at this time of year), then try to follow steps 1–3 above to help you navigate challenging situations, and remember that you can leave if you feel uncomfortable.
Support while you’re in Leeds
If you’re in Leeds during the festive period and need help or advice, Forward Leeds offers free, confidential alcohol and drug support, including a specific service for young people up to the age of 24.
Forward Leeds works closely with the University and LUU to provide regular drop-in advice and support sessions every term-time Friday between 1–4pm in Room 3 in LUU. You can also check out the sober socials that they run for students in Leeds each month via LUU.
For more drug and alcohol harm reduction advice, specialist support on campus and in Leeds, and our University policy, visit the drugs and alcohol web page.
