Surviving (and Thriving!) Through the Festive Season Alcohol-Free

The festive season is upon us! Twinkling lights, cozy gatherings, and endless invitations—it’s a magical time of year, but let’s be real, it can also be overwhelming. If you’re navigating it alcohol-free, like me, the season comes with a unique set of challenges. But guess what? It’s also an incredible opportunity to lean into your sobriety and discover just how bubbly life can be without alcohol.  

When I first started my sober journey, I worried about the festive season. How would I handle those endless toasts, boozy parties, and curious questions about why I wasn’t drinking? Now, over six months alcohol-free, I can tell you that it’s not just survivable—it’s absolutely possible to thrive during the holidays without a drop of alcohol. Here’s how I’m doing it:  

Plan Your Drinks

I’m a firm believer in having a drink in hand—just not that kind of drink. The festive season is the perfect time to get creative with alcohol-free options. My go-to? Bare Bubbly, of course (soda water, ice, and freshly squeezed lemon). But this season, I’m mixing things up with non-alcoholic mulled wine, sparkling kombucha, and festive mocktails. I went to a ball this past weekend and asked the organisers to provide alcohol-free beer and I also took my own alcohol-free wine… and I had such a great night, how sweet it was to stay until the end and yet wake up hangover free the next day!

Tip: Bring your own alcohol-free options to parties. Not only does it ensure you’ll have something to sip on, but it might inspire someone else to try a booze-free drink too!  

Prep Your “Why”

People are curious, and the festive season seems to amplify questions about why you’re not drinking. Before events, I like to rehearse a simple, confident answer:  

- “I’m feeling amazing alcohol-free, so I’m sticking with it!”  

- “I’m on a health kick and loving it.”  

- Or my favorite: “I’ve discovered life is much more bubbly without alcohol.”  

Your reason is yours alone, and you don’t owe anyone an explanation—but having a response ready can ease any awkwardness.  

Create New Traditions

The holidays are all about tradition, but who says you can’t create new ones? This year, I’m focusing on alcohol-free rituals that bring joy and connection.  

- Hosting a cozy hot chocolate night with friends.  

- Baking (and eating!) festive treats.  

- Taking my camera for walks to capture nature’s beauty.  

- Watching holiday movies with a mug of something warm and spiced.

These moments remind me that joy doesn’t come from a bottle—it’s in the connections, the laughter, and the simple pleasures of the season.  

Set Boundaries

It’s okay to say no. To the party that feels overwhelming. To the extra glass of champagne someone insists you’ll “love.” To the traditions that no longer align with your alcohol-free life. Protecting your sobriety is the ultimate act of self-care.  

Celebrate the Wins

Every time you say no to a drink or navigate a challenging moment, celebrate it! Each choice reinforces your alcohol-free lifestyle and builds confidence. Sobriety during the festive season isn’t always easy, but each success is proof of your strength and commitment.  

Focus on the Bigger Picture

For me, this season isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving. It’s about waking up hangover-free, fully present for the magic of the holidays. It’s about experiencing real, unfiltered joy and connection. And most importantly, it’s about ending the year proud of the choices I’ve made.  

Final Thoughts

The festive season can feel like a minefield for anyone choosing an alcohol-free life, but it’s also a time of discovery. You might find that the things you thought you needed alcohol for—connection, confidence, celebration—are even better without it.  

This is my first alcohol-free holiday season, and I’m going into it with a heart full of gratitude and excitement. If you’re on this path too, know you’re not alone. Together, we’re proving that life is much more bubbly without alcohol—especially during the most wonderful time of the year.  

Cheers (with a Bare Bubbly in hand, of course) to a sober, magical holiday season!  

~BB 🎄✨