KEEP IT SIMPLE –
Dec. 25, 2021 – For some sober people, this pandemic has made sobriety an even greater challenge as we face trauma, worry, and isolation. For others, like me, the biggest challenges are from social pressure and interactions when others. When many of us picture the holidays, we picture raising a glass of champagne with our nearest and dearest. When sober people picture the holidays, many of us picture a minefield of temptation and awkwardness. Even if we are just celebrating with our closest family members, we face questions and comments that could jeopardize everything we are working for. I am grateful that I stopped drinking two years ago. But I have dealt with a lot of questions and assumptions over these two years, as alcohol is such a big part of our culture. I have had restaurant staff give me blank stares when I ask if they have mocktail options and I have smiled through tears during social situations where people make jokes about how much they need a glass of wine.
