Celebrate the Festive Season with a Clear Mind and an Open Heart.

Happiness doesn’t come in a bottle. For years, I thought it did. A little champagne to toast, wine to relax, cocktails to make the holidays feel extra special—it all felt so tied to the season. But this year is different. I’m navigating my first sober Christmas, and it’s teaching me more about joy and connection than I ever imagined.  

I’ve just arrived in Australia to spend the holidays with my family in my home country, and this trip feels extra significant. It’s my first time back since choosing an alcohol-free life, and I’m stepping into traditions that once revolved around drinks and toasts with a completely different perspective. It’s not without its challenges, but honestly, it’s also filled with so much unexpected clarity and peace.  

The festive season, I’ve realised, was never about what was in my glass—it’s about being present. This year, I’m noticing the laughter, the love, and the little moments I once might have missed. Waking up to Summer sunrises and clear memories instead of grogginess and regret feels like a gift I’m giving to myself.  

Navigating Christmas gatherings without alcohol is definitely a new experience. There’s the awkwardness of refusing a drink, the questions from family and friends, and the occasional pang of missing out. But I remind myself that I’m not missing out—I’m showing up. Fully. Authentically. And that’s where the real magic of the season lives.  

For me, the quote “celebrate the festive season with a clear mind and an open heart, happiness doesn’t come in a bottle” feels deeply personal this year. It’s a mantra I’m holding close, especially when traditions feel a little unfamiliar without a glass of wine in hand. Happiness isn’t about the rituals we’ve always done or the drinks we’ve always shared—it’s about the connections we make, the memories we create, and the love we feel.  

This holiday season, I’m raising a glass of Bare Bubbly (soda water, ice, and fresh lemon, of course!) to mornings I’ll always remember, connections that feel more real, and the joy of being fully present. It’s not about what I’m giving up—it’s about all that I’m gaining.  

Here’s to a season that sparkles brighter, no alcohol required. Cheers to you, wherever you are on your journey, and to a holiday filled with clarity, love, and connection. ✨🍋  

~BB 🌿