The holidays can be a time filled with a lot of emotions. Some people love the seasons, the lights, and the joy. Others struggle to cope with losses and other experiences that make the holiday season feel lonelier. For those fresh out of detox near Coachella, Palm Springs, or Los Angeles, the season can be a reminder of everything they gave up. From holiday cocktail parties to not trusting the punch, it can be hard to navigate the season when you don’t drink alcohol. Not only that but your friends and family might even disinvite you from events because of your newfound status as a non-drinker. The great news is that you can still have a joyous holiday season no matter how you celebrate.
Here are some sober activities for the holidays:
Go to a Holiday Parade
You’ll feel like a kid again when you show up for a holiday parade. These parades are not only family-friendly, but they don’t typically involve drinking alcohol. People gather to enjoy festive floats and happy people. If you love the holidays, you can look for a parade whether you’re in L.A. or you’re planning to spend a relaxing weekend away near Palm Springs and Coachella.
Make Cookies or Crafts With Your Friends and Family
Cookies and hot cocoa are the perfect holiday treat for those who aren’t drinking through the holidays. The added benefit of making cookies and decorating them with friends and family is that you get to make special memories together that will last. Fun holiday craft activities can be used to decorate your home or office as well. You can give them as gifts to grandparents or shut-ins, and you can simply enjoy their beauty while the season lasts.
Volunteer at a Soup Kitchen
Giving back to others less fortunate than you is a wonderful way to feel the joy of the season. Volunteering at a soup kitchen gives you the opportunity to meet new people, hear their stories, and serve them a meal. The holidays can be lonely, so your presence can be just what they need to get through the days themselves. Volunteering is always rewarding for the one who gives their time and effort to help. Plus, it’s usually a non-alcoholic zone, so it’s perfect
Lead a Donation Drive for Local Charities
Gather your friends and family for a donation drive. During the holidays, many charities collect Christmas gifts for children and adults, raise funds for housing and utility costs, and they collect food donations as well. Holiday meals can be expensive for families and singles in need, so these donations help them give meal kits to people in their communities who can’t afford the added meal costs. Additionally, leading a donation drive can help you focus on something other than the fact that you are no longer drinking alcohol anymore.
Bring Your Own Non-Alcoholic Sparkling Beverages
Going to parties and saying no when people offer you an alcoholic beverage can incite a lot of anxiety in some people. They don’t want to feel pressured to drink, but they also want to enjoy time with family and friends at events. Bringing along your own non-alcoholic sparkling beverage gives you something to put in your glass that most people won’t think twice about. It can alleviate some of the stress of saying no or needing to explain yourself, especially if it’s your first sober holiday season.
Go to the Gym
There are many benefits in general to exercising, but during the holidays, it’s especially important. It can keep your immune system strong and help you stay on top of your health and fitness goals. Going to the gym is also a great non-alcoholic stress relief that can help you manage some of the struggles you might have during the holidays.
Be a Ride for People who are Drinking
Some cities have organizations created to help reduce the number of drunk drivers on the road. They connect with drivers who are willing to give free rides to people who are out enjoying their time during the holidays. Instead of driving home intoxicated or having to pay for an Uber, people can benefit from the kindness of others who want to keep the roads safe when people are out enjoying the holiday festivities.
Feature photo by Nicole Michalou
