I'm glad you like my handle "rayoflight", I like it too! Also, I totally agree with you on feeling embarrassed to tell people that you are cutting down. Sometimes I try to think of excuses, (allergic, on medication) to tell people so that I don't have to simply say I'm cutting down because I can't control myself. But you know, your right i'd rather do that then be out of control and do embarassing things will intoxicated. I have prepared for the holidays and I will drink alternatives (those mocktails sound like a wicked idea). My boyfriend is very supportive, he appreciates me cutting down and thinks highly of me for doing so.
Hi Leanne,
This site is a great place to be. Know that it's been pointed out to you and you are aware make that change, make the difference!
Interesting idea about replacin the drink with tea. I think I will go with hot chocolate or italian sodas...
I never thought I had a drinking problem until one day my younger one pointed it out, I stumbled to this site after reading some on the internet and I am just starting the program now.
Look forward to getting to know people on here a bit better.
I know what you mean ray. I love a nice little nog while looking at the christmas lights. But I went out and bought some nice teas. I am actually looking forward to drinking them. I think it would be a great gift to give my family this year...me being sober. So far so good!
I think you are very wise to start thinking AHEAD of the season a be prepared with a great plan ... as the saying goes 'if you don't plan for successs, you are planning for failure!'
I'm planning on trying to be more straigtforward with those around me about my intentions ... that is hard to do for me without feeling embarrassed, but then I think of all the embarassing things I have done while drunk at past parties
and then uttering the words "No thank you, I'm trying to cut down/quit" don't seem that bad.
I'm also think I'm going to try to find a list of mock-tails that will be so yummy that others might even want to join in with me!
You are right, despite the fact that the holiday season is still far enough away the work parties and parades will begin in the next few weeks. Here are a few tips for dealing with holiday parties.If you are
going to a party have a plan B, an escape route. If you are going to a party
with a spouse or good friend you can explain to them that you might have to
leave the party without much notice. You can likely have a backup plan to go
for a coffee or a movie instead. Next you can learn to say yes to the dreaded
question “Would you like a drink?”. You can say yes I’d love a soda-water with
lemon or a coke. If the person then presses something alcoholic on you, you can
say “not right now, this soda-water will hit the spot”.
Members, what have your experiences been with holiday parties? What have you done to avoid the temptations?
Ok, so I know I'm way ahead of the game! The holiday seasons are not thatttt close. But in all fairness, they will be here before we know it. In fact it is already November 10th. There is only 6 weekends before "xmas". My concern is the holiday partying. I am just a few weekends away from my first "christmas party". I have been really good at stearing clear from alcohol so far, but the holiday season for me just has this sort of magic to it. How can I go to all my parties and stay distracted from the alcohol?
Sorry, I just heard a xmas commercial on the radio and it got me thinking....
