Merry Christmas and a Joyous Sober Holiday Celebration from the whole family at Recovery Ventures. The Holidays can be a depressing time of year for people in early recovery. The wounds from recent binges are still fresh. And sometimes our families are not ready to let us back into their lives. Because of these difficulties, the holidays are a very sensitive time for addicts in recovery. Relapse is a common stumbling block during the holidays. That’s why fellowship is so important during this stressful time of year.

Instead of getting depressed and staying there, snap out of the holiday gloom and have a sober holiday celebration. Start with the menu. Snacks and finger foods are a good place to begin, then add sweets like cookies and ice cream and cake. Then make sure there are lots of non-alcoholic options for people to drink. We prefer a simple punch made from Hawaiian Punch, ginger ale, maraschino cherries, and pineapple juice. Virgin Eggnog is always a must as well.

Then it’s time to decorate. One fun holiday idea is to gather all you decorations, and decorating materials, then invite your friends over and have a Christmas decorating party. Put on some fun Christmas music, tell everybody to wear an ugly sweater, and let the fun begin! I suggest leaving glitter out of the equation, but to each their own. Garlands, tinsel, wreaths, Christmas lights, popcorn on a string, cranberries, and don’t forget the mistletoe! While we don’t allow our residents to kiss each other (even under the mistletoe) it’s fun to watch people squirm when they find themselves trapped underneath.

When decorating, make a fun game out of it by having gag gifts and prizes for different categories. You can try “ugliest sweater” or “tackiest ornament” or even “most overly-festive display” that makes it fun. Finally, encourage everyone to bring a small gift and then have a secret Santa drawing where all the presents get a number, then you put all the numbers in a hat and let people draw for prizes. It’s a spin on the old time classic.

If you really want to make it a special holiday, have your very own holiday 12-step meeting right there in the living room. That way you and everyone you invite has a chance to “drop off their baggage” before the festivities begin. With these fun and useful hints, you’re well on your way to a merry Holiday!

Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.
For Christ is born of Mary, and gathered all above

While mortals sleep the angels keep their watch of wondering love
Oh morning stars together, proclaim thy holy birth.
And praises sing to God the king, and peace to men on earth.
Oh little town of Bethlehem, how still we see thee lie
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep the silent stars go by
Yet in thy dark streets shineth, the everlasting light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.

Christmas Xmas