249. Why do people drink at Christmas?

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Hello and welcome to this episode of the Drink Less Live Better podcast. I'm your host Sarah Williamson.

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Be sure to follow me on Instagram at drinkleslivebetter and head to the website drinkleslivebetter.com where you can sign

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up for the 5-day Drink Less Experiment, download my free habit tracker and join my email club.

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For regular inspiration, ideas and resources to help you live better.

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Today we're talking about why people drink at Christmas because when we understand the why maybe we can respond with some kindness and compassion.

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Let's look at some very human reasons people drink at this time of year and how we can navigate this time without alcohol

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if that's something we want to do. Reason one, tradition and conditioning.

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For many of us Christmas and alcohol have been woven together for years mulled wine, champagne, Baileys, the special drinks that signal celebration and reward.

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Our brains love patterns and December is full of cues that say this This is what we do.

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If you're navigating Christmas without alcohol it helps to create new traditions rather than just removing the old ones.

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That might mean a beautiful non-alcoholic drink you only have in December, a special glass or a new ritual like an evening

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walk, a cosy film or a morning coffee you really look forward to.

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The brain still wants a marker of this is special so give it one. Reason two, social pressure and expectations.

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Christmas is crowded with social moments, office parties, family gatherings, neighbors popping round, alcohol often feels like the entry ticket.

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People offer it automatically and sometimes declining feels awkward or requires explanation.

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One way to navigate this is to decide your response in advance, something simple like I'm good with this drink thanks or I'm not drinking tonight. You don't owe anyone a story.

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You can also arrive with your own drinks so you're not waiting to be offered one.

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Often once you're holding a glass the pressure melts away.

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Emotional Intensity Christmas can be joyful but it can also be heavy grief, loneliness, family dynamics, unmet expectations.

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Alcohol is often used as a quick way to soften emotions or create distance from them.

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If this rings true for you it can help to plan gentle emotional support that doesn't come from a bottle.

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That might be stepping outside for some fresh air, Having a check-in text buddy, journaling for a few minutes or giving yourself permission to leave early.

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You're not failing at Christmas if you're taking care of yourself.

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Overwhelm and exhaustion. December is loud, busy and full.

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Many people drink simply to switch off at the end of the day. Alcohol becomes the pause button.

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An alternative pause can be just as intentional.

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You might choose a clear end of the day ritual changing clothes, lighting a candle, stretching or sitting quietly with a warm drink.

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The goal is to signal to your nervous system that it's safe to rest.

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Reason 5 Permission There's often a belief that Christmas is a rare window where normal rules don't apply.

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We tell ourselves we'll reset in January so anything goes now.

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A gentler reframe is this: you: don't have to drink because it's Christmas, to enjoy Christmas.

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You can choose what actually makes the season better for you.

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For some that includes alcohol, for others it doesn't and either way you're allowed to choose again tomorrow. Navigating Christmas without alcohol.

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Doesn't require perfection, it requires curiosity asking what do I really need here?

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Comfort, connection, rest, fun and then meeting that need directly.

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If you do drink you haven't failed, if you don't you haven't missed out.

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The kindest approach is noticing what's driving the urge and responding with care.

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Christmas is just a few days of the year How you speak to yourself during it matters far more than what's in your glass.

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Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Drink Less Live Better podcast.

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If you enjoyed it please share it with someone who might need a little extra compassion today and don't forget to follow me

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on Instagram at @drinklesslivebetter and visit drinklesslivebetter.com for more tools and inspiration.

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Check out the show notes for a link to a hidden podcast episode that will help you with your 5pm cravings.

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And details about my one-to-one life coaching and sober coaching programs and PS, I believe in you.