I see to it that they get a copy of the “Twelve Tips” flyer. I also get a tremendous sense of gratitude when we have Thanksgiving dinner at our local AA hall, or have coffee and cheesecake at my sponsor’s home after an evening of caroling. There’s a special feeling of joy at our candlelight AA meeting on New Year’s Eve, knowing that we’ve all lived another year sober. We then look with hope to the 365 days ahead. Thanks to the Fellowship and the “Twelve Tips” sheet for a sober holiday, I have found that the Thanksgiving and December holiday season is a time of year to look forward to. I really enjoy helping decorate our AA hall, as well as appearing as Santa Claus at meetings and passing out candy canes.

What is an Alcoholics Anonymous Christmas?

So that Thanksgiving, right in the middle of the day, just when I needed a break from my family, I moseyed over to the Port Washington Group’s Thanksgiving Day celebration. Preserving and sharing this history ensures that new members, future trusted servants, and LGBTQ+ AA groups everywhere can see where we come from—and how we’ve carried the message for over 40 years. FRU is a 41 year old five-day gathering of LGBTQ+ people from Alcohol Use Disorder around the globe. In addition to four keynote speakers, it generally includes 50+ workshops and a whole host of amazing activities.

aa grapevine getting thru holidays sober

A.A. Myths: The Myth of Going to Meetings: Why ‘Meeting Makers Don’t Always Make It’

I now know that it isn’t a good idea to put sober holidays conditions on your sobriety, because when that relationship ended after two months, so did my sobriety. I was raised by my mother and grandparents in a home where alcohol was enjoyed responsibly, especially during the holidays. My parents divorced because of alcohol.

aa grapevine getting thru holidays sober

Cocaine Anonymous Online Recovery Area – Big Book Recovery Solutions

Attending a Christmas meeting helps people avoid triggers and enabler family members. Each person who attends also finds a safe space to express their thoughts on what they have learned about themselves on their journeys and celebrate their progress. Some past clients have told us that choosing an Alcothon over traditional gatherings made them feel bad; however, being away from people who drink alcohol provided them with safety in the moment. For some, it becomes a time of hope, where they reconnect with God and work on their relationship with Him as they reflect on the meaning of the season. For others who attend an Alcoholics Anonymous Christmas event, it’s a chance just to continue taking one step at a time. But in spite of that, I’ve been sober in the program 32 years.

  • If you’re working with a counselor, don’t stop.
  • Some may remember how difficult things were while they were drinking, and others discuss how sobriety has improved their lives.
  • We then look with hope to the 365 days ahead.
  • Purpose Healing Center offers JCAHO-accredited, customized treatment plans in Scottsdale and Phoenix.
  • I got to pitch in and help provide a safe, sober oasis of hope, love and support for other alcoholics who needed it.

It’s going to take time to grieve that. Let yourself feel sad when the feelings come, and lean on other people in recovery when you need support. If there’s a local support group in your area, show up. If there’s an online meeting you can join, try it.

List some new traditions to try that will fill your day with purpose, like serving meals at a homeless community or walking dogs at the local animal shelter. You do whatever it takes to get you through the day. Even on Christmas, Alcoholics Anonymous encourages members to pause, breathe, and apply their tools to every overwhelming situation, making holiday meetings an important type to attend. My earliest use of alcohol was at Christmastime. When we were children my sister and I were allowed to have a small glass of wine mixed with soda on Christmas Eve.

  • The event offers meetings, potluck meals, snacks, fellowship, and drawings.
  • We also publish and license translations in international languages for recovering alcoholics around the world.
  • Relapse is far too common which is why you need to plan ahead or plan to fail.
  • My mother looked at me through tears and said, “I want you to come home.” That was my invitation to heal.

A.A. Can Support Professionals

I got drunk for the first time when I was 17. On Christmas Day in 1975, after I had reached the legal drinking age, I was sitting in a local bar with my grandfather. I remember him telling me that having a beer now and then was OK, but, “Don’t go getting hooked on it like your old man did,” he warned. I promised Grandpa faithfully that I wouldn’t, even though I had already gotten drunk on several occasions. If you are struggling this holiday season, please do not give up before the miracle happens. The holidays used to be filled with guilt, shame, and broken promises.