Congratulations.
You made it through Thanksgiving.
You navigated mashed potatoes, unsolicited political opinions, Aunt Linda’s “just a sip” Champagne pressure, and turkey dry enough to exfoliate. And you did it sober. That’s huge.
But now we enter the Holiday Bermuda Triangle. That stretch between Thanksgiving, Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Solstice, and New Year’s, where time becomes meaningless, cookies replace vegetables, and everyone drinks like they’re living on a pirate ship.
Even seasoned sober folks can wobble here, so let’s talk strategy.
Know Your Weather Patterns
Every family has a forecast: emotional storms from the past, people pushing drinks, or that weird silent tension no one mentions. Feeling triggered doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re human.
The key is awareness. If Uncle Bob turns into the family bartender after 6 p.m., maybe don’t sit next to him. If friends want to relive the old days, it’s okay to bow out. You can love people and still protect yourself.
Bring Your Own Lifeboat
Not an actual inflatable (unless that’s your thing), but come prepared: a favorite non-alcoholic drink, an exit plan, a supportive friend, and snacks. Low blood sugar has taken many of us down faster than peer pressure ever did.
Sometimes just having a sparkling water with lime in your hand, shuts down the “Why aren’t you drinking?” interrogation. And if you need an escape, “I have to check on something in the kitchen” works every time.
Enjoy the Moment
There’s actually a lot of good in this season when you’re not numb or sneaking refills. You remember conversations, taste dessert, drive home safely, wake up clear-headed, and can actually be present. It may feel strange at first. Joy can feel unfamiliar, but it grows.
Build Sober References
One of the best gifts you can give your future self is proof: proof you made it through that party, that dinner, that gift exchange where someone thought a whiskey scented candle was a good idea.
Next year, when anxiety kicks in, you’ll have that reference point: “I’ve done this before. I can do it again.”
Final Thought
Holidays aren’t about perfection. They’re about showing up for yourself and the people you love in ways you couldn’t when you were drinking or using. If you get through this season sober, even imperfectly, you win.
And next year, someone may look at you and think, “If they can do it, maybe I can too.” That’s the real magic.
Need a little extra support?
Check the THRIVE calendars for a whole lineup of holiday events at our centers. Game nights, workshops, gatherings, and plenty of sober fun to keep you connected and laughing instead of white-knuckling your way through December.
Because nobody gets lost in the Bermuda Triangle when they’ve got a solid crew.
Jason Mayo – THRIVE Everywhere Community Outreach Coordinator