Why is that such a tough concept for some people?
Forget the liquor. I can't stay away from the FOOD!
Sorta kidding.
My family engages in heavy alcohol consumption on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. Its always been that way and always will.
Manhattans and shots before church on Easter is another family tradition.
Another great tip are twisted Christmas songs, to play when the tension is getting to you. We have an extensive collection by various artists. Laughter is the best medicine.
I guess the author doesn't dance?
bump for later...
Although Anonymous Alcoholic may no longer be under the influence of alcohol, he's still under the PC influence.
A long, anti-Christophobia deprogramming session ought to bring him back to the truth and reality.
Merry Christmas.
I simply say, "Thanks, I've had enough already."
Thanks!!
JSC
>> I learned that no one cares if I'm drinking or not and that "what" I carried in my glass was rarely noticed by anyone. <<
Sorry, but I have had different experiences. I have noticed that many people comment and get crazy about what you have in your glass. I have been called some unfriendly names regarding partying when I would stick to just Diet Coke. Now I get a Diet Coke and stick a lime in it.
It tastes good, low in calories and everyone thinks it's a mixed drink.
I have never been a drinker. People somehow are amazed (and pushy) if you do not indulge in alcohol. It was my easy way out.
I'm merely hanging out with other sober people in the Program. I'm chairing two meetings on Christmas eve and on Christmas. Seems to work well! :o)
Pingarooski
So what are you saying? Are you saying I have a problem? Because I don't think I have a problem. How would you know? You don't know me, you don't know the pain I go through. If I drinks a bit, well thats understandab....
Just Kidding! Three Years, Nine Months Sober and Fat (: but reasonably happy. Seasons Greetings.
As a young married woman who likes to drink wine, whenever I say no, everyone looks at me and I can tell they are thinking "Is she pregnant?!?!?". I'll tell you it's awful.
I really wish pregnant women could still enjoy a glass of wine so people would stop making assumptions!!!!
CHRISTMAS CARDS - For 40 years I have been sending and receiving Christmas cards. If it had been left with my husband to handle, no one would have ever received one from us and we would probably have totally quit getting any from anyone else a long time ago. - At first, I started out with a long list of everyone in the family including distant cousins and everyone else I could think of. A few years ago, I noticed we either didn't hear from some of them until well after we sent their card or not at all.
I finally decided at that time that a lot of people were
probably wanting to cease and desist on the Christmas card
swapping perpetual motion machine. The cost of stamps were
going up regularly along with the cost of cards, not to
mention the cost of time to sit down and write the usual
note and sign them and address the envelopes. To add to
the consideration, I began to have a type of arthritis in
my wrists especially in cold weather that would sometimes
keep me from even being able to press down with a pen on
paper enough to even sign our names.
So - - - bottom line - - I decided to just wait and see who
REALLY wanted to keep this up and who didn't. So, each
year I started waiting until we received a card from
someone and then answering it. (I kept a stack of
Season's Greetings ones to send in case we got one AFTER
Christmas from someone.) That radically reduced my load
just after the first year. Of course, there are some that
send them year after year first, and year after year I
answer them as I would any note or letter. More drop off
every year, and, of course, I always send first to my
husband's parents and his brother and sisters and to the
few remaining brothers and a sister of my parents who are
both deceased. There will always be a few elderly or
handicapped relatives anyone will not want to omit, but
I think many of the fringe original hundred name list I
started out with are secretly glad they no longer receive
a card from us nor feel obligated to send us one. (I
include a page of stamps in with the cards going to the
two relatives in their late 90's who still send cards to
their close relatives.)
On drinking - have a Coke, Pepsi or Ginger Ale on the
rocks and eat anything you like. Merry Christmas!
"We must remember that in times of hype and high stress, it's okay to withdraw and quiet our insides until we feel strong again."
You are absolutely correct! No matter what the situation, I reserve the absolute right to LEAVE any place at any time if other people's drinking begins to bother me. Or if I find I'm starting to want a drink. Or that my resolve not to drink is beginning to get shaky. Learned that trick years ago in AA and it has served me perfectly. That decision doesn't make me feel "less than," I find it empowering.
Also helps me to remember that "the circle of AA" is always around me. Even when I'm alone at a business function in a city other than my own. If I can dial a phone, I can access support. It's just that simple.
Of course, I still question whether I really, really need to attend an event that includes drinking -- as opposed to going to prove to other people that I can handle being there. It was pointed out to me that being motivated by that nonsense is the height of self-destructive thinking. Must say I agree. I no longer need anyone's approval on that level; do need my sobriety.
Truth is, it's been a long time since I've bothered to think about what other people have in their glasses. It's really not my business.
I normally decline a drink by saying, "No thanks. I've already had too much." That usually takes care of it. If it doesn't, it makes me wonder why my NOT drinking is such a problem for him or her. I hated drinking in front of sober people when I was a practicing alcoholic. It made me feel nervous, guilty, and self-conscious. So applying that same theory.....I'm sure you know where I'm headed.
Most people don't care about what's in my glass. One of my favorite things about sobriety is that I used to have to be half sloshed to feel comfortable (or alive) in a social situation. Now I can get there on my own, and I love it! How's THAT for personal freedom! And to think those silly drinkers "feel sorry for me" cause I can't drink. Seems to me it ought to be the other way around.
Live at least 1000 miles from your nearest relative.
I don't like the taste of alcohol. If it actually tasted good and didn't taste like I'm downing cleaning chemicals I wouldn't mind. Smoke weed for the holidays, it's much better and has zero calories.