7 Tips for Enjoying a Sober Thanksgiving

7 Tips for Enjoying a Sober Thanksgiving

Published November 2019

“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” – Johannes A. Gaertner

1. Let those you are going to Thanksgiving Dinner with not drinking, and ask them to please respect your wishes and not pressure you to drink.
2. Bring your own alcohol-free beverage or recipe to make while you are at the dinner event to give you something to do.
3. Have a plan on what to do when a trigger or stressor arises (deep breathing for relaxation, go to a quiet room and stretch, repeat positive mantras, listen to a podcast, or text a friend for comfort).
4. Focus on creating a new tradition such as making a new dish, learning a new game, getting up early and workout, unwinding with candlelight yoga, or a special mindful meditation.
5. Schedule a yoga session or massage within the next few days after Thanksgiving Day to have a reward to look forward to.
6. Choose your gathering carefully, and don’t be afraid to throw your own Thanksgiving for friends and family or even spend it alone.
7. Get involved in your community by volunteering at a local soup kitchen or homeless shelter. Invite friends and family members to join you as well.