The countdown to Christmas and the New Year has started and many of us find this a happy time to look forward to. In and outside the house the landscape is changing into a winter wonderland. Fairy lights, the smell of pine trees, drinking hot chocolate in front of the fire, looking forward to the first snow to fall. A moment to relax and reconnect with friends and family.
For others, however, the holiday season does not live up to the Hallmark picture described above and is instead met with some ambivalence, worry, or even dread. Upcoming events such as work socials and family dinners can trigger feelings of stress, anxiety, and old hurt. Being in early recovery can make these events, which often combine the unhelpful combination of a group of people and unlimited food and alcohol, even more challenging. And it doesn’t make it any easier that certain events are very hard to avoid due to external pressures and feelings of obligation.
It might be helpful to ask yourself what the holiday season means to you. It might be a Dickensian suggestion, but reflecting upon Christmases past and thinking about what was (un)helpful about the way you celebrated it before can help you to identify triggers to avoid during this holiday season. It can also help you to get a better idea of your own needs, shape your vision of the holidays and who you want to spend them with.
Traditions can be wonderful in creating a sense of meaning and belonging to events. Around Christmas time, however, we might sometimes hold on to the rituals too rigidly. It is good to remember that they are not set in stone. If the holiday rituals are not in line with your current values, you are free to suggest changes to them. When the pressure of attending an alcohol-fueled dinner party with family, for example, feels like too much for you now, suggest going for a Christmas hike together instead. Alternatively, you can even decide to politely decline their company altogether this year. It is ok to say “no” to certain events and put your recovery first. Be aware that saying “no” to certain events doesn’t lead to social isolation.
Social interaction and a feeling of connectedness are important protective factors during early recovery. If reaching out to a supportive family member is not an option, reach out to your AA/NA support network. Over the holidays there are loads of zoom-meeting organised for extra peer support. If you prefer more personal contact, make a list of people you can reach out to in case you notice a craving or need a friendly word.
But let’s not forget to focus on the season’s magic as there are tons of fun things to do over the holidays. Going outdoors always does wonders for your overall well-being; go ice skating, skiing, or take an ice-cold new-year’s dip in a lake. Decorate your house, treat yourself to a book you always wanted to read, eat some seasonal delicacies, relax and be merry.
Online you can find more tips and tricks to stay healthy during the holiday season and throughout the year. If you feel in need of extra support due to worries around staying sober/clean, your mental or physical health, please reach out to The Kusnacht Practice or your local care provider. Come spend the holidays by beautiful Lake Zurich or in Geneva in the comfort of one of our exclusive residences with our new, Two Week Luxury Stay – Body & Mind Booster programme.
From all of us at The Kusnacht Practice, we wish you happy holidays!
Written by Margje de Rooij
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