Ringing in the New Year should be a joyful celebration, but for those trying hard to maintain their sobriety, it can be anything but.
The time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve is one of the most profitable seasons for the beverage industry. In fact, research shows that one-fourth of the distilled spirits industry’s $49 million annual profit is made during those few weeks.
This means temptation abounds at every corner, from family get-togethers to nightclub parties by the countdown clock.
Looking for ways to embrace 2020 in style without taking a sip?
We’ve got you covered. Read on to discover a few of our top ways to have the time of your life on December 31, sans alcohol.
1. Throw a Dance Party
Yes, it really is as fun as it sounds.
You don’t have to score an invite to the hottest dance party in town on NYE. Instead, you can throw one of your own, where you can set the rules. One of those rules? No booze!
Get creative and have fun with the theme, music, food, and decor. Dress up in tacky sweaters, neon gear from the 1990s, country-western costumes, or anything else that you adore! Then, match the rest of the theme to the attire.
You’ll have so much fun cutting a rug that you’ll forget all about what everyone else is doing (or drinking).
2. Host a Dinner Party
A dinner party is a great way to keep the focus on the food, not the drinks!
Invite over a few friends who have shared in your journey and are respectful of your decision not to drink. Then, get creative with your menu! Start with a fancy charcuterie board appetizer and then find a main dish that everyone can help create. Think “make your own enchiladas” or DIY sushi rolls!
To drink, research some festive mocktails, such as the ones listed here. Raspberry frost sodas, anyone?
3. Volunteer Your Time
Are you finding it difficult to quell the urge to drink during this time of year? One of the most productive ways to refocus your thoughts and shift your perspective is to dedicate some time to helping others.
Plug into your local community and learn about local soup kitchens, youth programs, homeless shelters or anywhere else where you might find neighbors in need. Then, instead of fighting temptation on New Year’s, make plans to spend your evening there giving back. Rally up a few of your closest friends to help and make it a new tradition!
4. Quiet Your Mind
There’s no denying that the holidays can wreak havoc on our psyches. There’s the hustle and bustle of gift-buying, coupled with the stress of trying to squeeze time with family and friends into your already-packed vacation time.
By the time NYE rolls around, your nerves are still shot, your emotions are off the chart and your mind is still racing. This makes the anxiety of dealing with a heavy drinking holiday that much more difficult. To help you stay sane and sober, carve out some quiet time.
This might mean practicing yoga, meditating, praying, or simply sitting in silence and letting your mind drift. When you’re done, create a list of your resolutions and goals for the new year and reflect on how far you’ve come.
5. Plan a Game Night
From Cards Against Humanity to charades and Monopoly, there are many different kinds of group games that can add hilarity and fun to your evening!
It’s easier to embrace your competitive side with a sober mind, which is why hosting a game night is an excellent way to stay clean and sober on New Year’s. Ask each of your friends to bring their favorite game and take turns playing each one!
You can even raise the stake a little with a friendly bet. The person who loses the most games has to wash the dinner dishes!
6. Get into Nature
You don’t have to sit at home bored on New Year’s Eve simply because you don’t want to drink. If parties aren’t your scene, use this as your excuse to get out into nature instead!
Go ice skating, stargazing or tent camping with a few close friends or family members. Breathe in the cool air and allow it to free your mind and strengthen your body. Invest back into the healthy habits you’ve worked hard to establish and start January off on the right foot!
7. Take a Vacation
Who says you have to stay home on New Year’s? Some people might find that it’s especially challenging to be around their familiar haunts when celebratory events arise.
Your favorite restaurant might turn into an alcohol-infused party zone on the week leading up to NYE. Your friends might encourage you to go out, even though you don’t want to. Even your childhood might be a hotbed of temptation.
If that’s the case, plan a long weekend and take a few extra days off work! Choose somewhere you’ve never been and make a new kind of (sober) memory.
Enjoy This New Year’s Eve in Sober Style
For many, New Year’s Eve is one of the most exciting and enjoyable times of the year. It’s a chance to look back at the past 12 months and see how far you’ve come, as well as set actionable goals for the next 12.
However, this holiday can be especially challenging for those who have made a commitment to abstain from drugs and alcohol.
Thankfully, you can still enjoy plenty of festive fun while sober!
Whether you try one of the ideas on our list or come up with a new one on your own, we’re here to help.
If you’re seeking support for alcohol addiction, reach out to us today. We offer rehabilitation and recovery services designed to help you conquer this challenge and reclaim the life you were meant to live.
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