How To Navigate A Non-Alcoholic Christmas

So you’ve decided to stay sober at Christmas. Amazing news!

Whether you’re resetting your relationship with alcohol, have a condition that requires you stay sober, or just want to see what an alcohol-free Christmas feels like, it’s a great way to have a more present Christmas.

Without alcohol Christmas feels more meaningful and intentional, and the best bit? You’ll remember the whole thing!

Here’s how to nail Christmas as a non-drinker.

Firstly, why are you doing it?

Navigating an alcohol-free Christmas without a clear “why” is hard. We’re not going to sugar coat it - if you’re not sure why you’re doing it you will likely give into temptation.

Habit is a powerful thing and for most people Christmas is synonymous with alcohol-fuelled fun. This can make it hard to let go of without a clear reason why. Giving yourself a one-liner “why” statement can give you confidence when you say “no thanks” to the Christmas champagne. 

Firm up a clear “why” that will hold you accountable and keep you sure of your decision to stay sober at Christmas.

Note: We're not saying drinking at Christmas is bad - far from it. For some people a couple of drinks can be fabulous fun and enhance Christmas. 

However for some, it can lead to heavy drinking that causes cringe arguments with family members, texting your ex or ending up with your head in the toilet. None of which, we believe, enhances Christmas.

Alcohol-Free Christmas Hacks 

1. Plan Your Day

Your day might look a little different if you’re sober this year, so be sure to plan. Certain people, places, or feelings may make you want to drink and stepping away before it gets too much is totally fair. You might not be up for a huge day with family and lots of drinking if you’re refraining, so plan times when you can have a little walk, nap or alone time if you need it.

Remember also that most people will expect you to be drinking at Christmas time so if you’re going round someone else’s house bring your own drinks. CleanCo is obviously a favourite and you could even rustle up a couple of non-alcoholic cocktails to show people what they’re missing. Sparkling water and soft drinks can also be good additions to power your day.

2. Create New Traditions

You’ll be surprised how much not drinking at Christmas gives you time back. The season that usually feels rushed and stressed suddenly feels slower and calmer, which is a win.

But this can also make it feel kind of quiet, so it’s important to recreate some traditions that don’t involve drinking alcohol so you don’t feel you’re missing out.

Things like non-alcoholic cocktail making, holiday baking, gingerbread house making, movie nights, morning walks and board games can give you things to look forward to that aren’t alcohol.

3. Manage Stress

Christmas can bring up grief, loneliness, relationship issues, stress and family issues. It’s not always the most fun time for a lot of people, and sometimes drinking can take that edge off.

Try to manage the stress of the season with different techniques that will allow you to enjoy your time more.

You could try:

- Short walks or stretching in the morning

- 5-minute breathing breaks

- Journalling what’s stressing you out

- Setting limits on how long you’ll be around certain people

4. Protect Your Energy

It’s okay to decline events or leave early. Don’t feel bad if you’re on a slightly different path to others, or even your previous self.

It’s okay to spend Christmas in a way that’s healthiest for you, even if others don’t understand. `With great non-alcoholic spirits on the market now, you can usually fly under the radar and have a sober Christmas undetected. Our bottles look like alcohol, taste like the real thing and pour just as you’d expect from their full strength counterpart. 

How To Beat A Christmas Craving

If you’re having a non-alcoholic Christmas, you might need some tools to help you beat cravings. At Christmas, you’re likely to be around alcohol, so knowing what to do when you fancy a tipple can save the day.

Delay + Distract + Decide

This is a proven technique to move on from the craving you’re feeling.

- Delay: Tell yourself, “I’ll wait 10 minutes.” Cravings almost always peak and fade.

- Distract: Do something that uses your hands or your brain - washing up, texting a friend, going outside, playing a quick game, making tea.

- Decide: After the craving dip, decide again. Most cravings shrink within 15 minutes.

How to enjoy Christmas without alcohol

It’s completely normal to feel nervous about having a non-alcoholic Christmas, especially if drinking has always been part of the holidays for you. 

You’re stepping into something new, and that can feel unfamiliar or even a little uncomfortable - but it also means you’re doing something strong and positive for yourself. 

The nerves don’t mean you can’t do it; they just mean it matters. You’ve already proven you’re capable by thinking ahead, and you absolutely can get through the day sober. With a bit of preparation, some kindness toward yourself, and a reminder that it’s okay to feel whatever you’re feeling, you can make this Christmas one you’ll be proud of.

Want to make sure you’re never caught short this Christmas? Shop our range of non-alcoholic spirits here.