Twelve Tips on Keeping Your
Holiday Season Sober and Joyous
Holiday parties without liquid spirits may still seem a dreary prospect to new AA’s. But many of us have enjoyed
the happiest holidays of our lives sober — an idea we would never have dreamed of, wanted, or believed possible
when drinking.
Here are some tips for having an allaround ball without a drop of alcohol:
Don’t sit around brooding. Catch up on
Skip any drinking occasion you are
Line up extra AA activities for the
those books, museums, walks, and
nervous about. Remember how clever
holiday season. Arrange to take
letters.
you were at excuses when drinking?
newcomers to meetings, answer the
Now put the talent to good use. No
phones at a clubhouse or central office,
office party is as important as saving
speak, help with dishes, or visit the
your life.
alcoholic ward at a hospital.
Don’t start now getting worked up
If you have to go to a drinking party
Be host to AA friends, especially
about all those holiday temptations.
newcomers. If you don’t have a place
and can’t take an AA with you, keep
Remember — “one day at a time.”
where you can throw a formal party,
some candy handy.
take one person to a diner and spring
for the coffee.
Enjoy the true beauty of holiday love
Keep your AA telephone list with you
Don’t think you have to stay late. Plan
and joy. Maybe you cannot give
all the time. If a drinking urge or panic
in advance an “important date” you
material gifts — but this year, you can
comes — postpone everything else
have to keep.
give love.
until you’ve called an AA.
Find out about the special holiday
Worship in your own way.
“Having had a…” No need to spell out
parties, meetings, or other celebrations
the Twelfth Step here, since you
given by groups in your area, and go. If
already know it.
you’re timid, take someone newer than
you are.
