Anyone can be a mindful drinker (even during the festive season!)
You can cut down or quit booze altogether – and still have a good time at Christmas parties, says alcohol-free advocate
CHRISTMAS is the season of peace and goodwill, novelty festive jumpers and, of course, thumping hangovers. While many of us will be looking forward to the festivities, the endless work parties and family get-togethers mean many of us will spend most of December nursing a splitting headache.
This is despite the fact that more people than ever are trying to drink less alcohol.
In fact, 4.2 million people in the UK now describe themselves as alcohol-free.
But it doesn’t have to be like this, says Laura Willoughby.
Instead, she says, you can moderate, cut back or stop, even at this time of year.And, she promises, you will still enjoy the run-up to Christmas.
“You’ll be surprised how many traditions we have that are excuses to drink more – like having mulled wine while you’re decorating the Christmas tree,” says Laura, 45, founder of mindful drinking society Club Soda (joinclubsoda. com).
“When it comes to cutting down or giving up alcohol altogether, Christmas is the time of year that people worry about the most.
“However, if you can get through it without drinking more than you want to, you’ll feel great.
“It’s like having a superpower – you’ll feel like there isn’t anything you can’t do.”
The secret, says Laura, is mindful drinking – and it can work for everyone.
“Our drinking habits are so automatic that often we don’t even think about them – like opening the fridge after work and pouring a glass of wine,” says Laura.
“Mindful drinking is about taking stock of when and why we drink, so we only drink when we make a conscious choice to do so.”
Here are Laura’s tried and tested tips for a merry alcohol-free Christmas.
MAKE A LIST
Write down all the events you usually go to in December that involve drinking.
Think about what drinks you enjoy, and who you enjoy drinking with.
Then ask yourself if there are any events you don’t enjoy drinking at, but do so because you feel obliged.
Try to reserve your drinking for events and groups of people you truly enjoy.
CREATE NEW TRADITIONS
Build new Christmas traditions that aren’t linked to alcohol.
It could be driving to a Christmas market and browsing the stalls, taking advantage of family-friendly events in your local area, or having a movie night with friends.
Whatever it is, make sure it’s comforting and you’re still spending time with people you care about.
ASK FOR ALTERNATIVES
Whether it’s the work Christmas party or a family event, speak to whoever is hosting it about providing interesting alcohol-free drinks.
If you’re asked to RSVP with dietary requirements, say you’re alcohol-free. Don’t be afraid to be a bit demanding.
Or, if you’re going under the radar, take your own drinks to the event.
HAVE AN ESCAPE PLAN
If you’re worried you’ll be pressured to drink a lot, have an escape plan.
Arrange a supermarket delivery for 9pm so you have to be home for a certain time, or organise a taxi in advance. It can be cancelled later if you’re enjoying yourself.
Remember – you don’t have to stay at an event you’re not enjoying. Nobody will notice if you go home early.
IT’S OK TO SAY NO
If you’re trying to moderate your drinking and think it’ll be too hard to resist temptation at a particular event, then it’s perfectly OK to say you can’t go. Find something you’d rather do yourself, whether it’s getting into a box set, or cooking a lovely dinner.
Whatever you do, remember, it’s important to treat yourself well.
BE CONFIDENT
The key to drinking less is to be clear with people early on.
After all, the more unsure you sound, the more people will think there is wiggle room to persuade you otherwise.
Tell people at the beginning of the night that you’re not going to drink much.
Be clear about the behaviour you want from other people too. Say: “I’d appreciate it if you didn’t pressure me to drink”.
After that, move the conversation on and ask how things are going at work, or what the other person has planned for Christmas.
DELAY YOUR DRINKING
Make your first two drinks alcohol-free, rather than trying to moderate after you’ve had a couple of glasses of wine.
That way, by the time everyone else is on their second drink, you can decide whether this is an event you want to stay and drink at, or not. Trying to moderate when you already have alcohol in your system is more difficult. You can make better decisions when you’re sober.
TAKE TIME OUT
If you’re finding it difficult to say no to a drink, then take some time out and go for a walk around the block. No-one will miss you if you nip out and opt out of a round.
If you’re with an online community such as Club Soda, you can dip in and chat to some other members and get advice from other people on how to navigate the next few hours.
FIND A BUDDY
There are more alcohol-free people around than you realise.
So buddy up with people in your workplace who also aren’t drinking, and together tackle your HR department about alcohol-free options at your Christmas party.