I don’t know about you, but I love Christmas. It’s a time to get cosy, practice gratitude, and love our nearest and dearest more fiercely than ever before.
The downside to the festive season, especially in the UK, is that it’s pretty booze-soaked. Alcohol seems to be everywhere you look at this time of year. Whether it’s mulled wine at the Christmas market or expensive fizz at the Christmas work do, it’s kind of hard to avoid.
We are often branded as party poopers or Scrooges if we don’t want to get shitfaced at this time of year…
But how is that fair?!
Just because some of us are alcohol-free or trying to cut down, doesn’t mean we don’t want to get in the Christmas spirit. Far from it!
We still want to squeeze our loved ones and be merry… we still want to dance around the living room wearing tinsel as a scarf… we still want to buy our dogs and kids little festive jumpers.
I find it hurtful to think that people might assume I hate Christmas because I don’t drink, especially because this couldn’t be further from the truth!
However, sometimes it can be difficult to feel excited this time of year, especially if you’re struggling. If you haven’t quite managed to get in the spirit yet, don’t you worry!
Maybe it’s your first sober Christmas and you haven’t quite found the same festive feeling as last year. Maybe you are feeling Christmassy, but people are still calling you a killjoy and blaming you for ruining the festive fun, so you want to prove them otherwise. Maybe you used to hate Christmas but this year you’ve had a change of heart!
Whatever reason you might be searching for Christmassy inspo, rest assured I’ve got you covered. I’ve made a list of activities that will get you feeling Christmassy AF.
I hope we can come together this December and show that spreading love doesn’t require alcohol.
12 Ways to Get in the Christmas Spirit (Without Booze)
1) Turn up the Christmas bangers and sing along! As Buddy tells us in Elf, ‘the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear’
2) Get the stove on, warm up some milk (or soya-based alternative), and add a sprinkle of chocolate powder to make some seriously good hot chocolate. Don’t forget the squirty cream and marshmallows!
3) Put up the tree and get the Christmas decs out! There aren’t many activities that make you feel as warm inside as putting up decorations
4) Go old-school and write your Christmas shopping list with pen and paper or join your kids in crafting their letters to Santa! Use colours, feathers, glitter, sequins… the works! Have you ever seen someone look sad when doing seasonal arts and crafts?! I’m pretty sure it’s impossible
5) Visit the local Christmas market or take a day trip to one nearby. The stalls, lights, colours, smells are likely to leave a Christmassy aftertaste
6) Have a go at ice skating! Either take a trip to your local ice rink or have a quick google to see if there are any temporary festive ones being put up near you
7) Cosy up and watch a movie – my favourites are Love Actually, The Grinch, and Nativity!
8) Practice your baking skills and make some Christmas goodies. Bake them, decorate them, and gobble them up. If you’re feeling generous, sharing your festive treats with friends and family is bound to put a smile on someone’s face 😊
9) Wear Christmas clothes. Get out your sparkly jumper with reindeers on the front and show it off wherever you go. If your Christmas wardrobe is a little more subtle, crack out the cosy pjs and fluffy red slipper socks!
10) Spend a little time learning how to make special alcohol-free drinks and cocktails. If you’re worried about drinking because you feel left out when people are raising a glass, this can work like a charm!
11) Donate some of your old wintery clothes or give someone a helping hand to get yourself in the spirit of generosity and kindness
12) Take the time to write a note or say out loud three things you are grateful for each day to remind yourself how lucky you are. When you feel positive about all the fab things and people in your life, you’re bound to spread seasonal cheer 😊
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