10 ways to enjoy your first sober Christmas
A sober or sober-curious Christmas can feel unfamiliar, especially if your usual festive routine has always involved alcohol. However, with a little planning, it becomes far easier than you might expect, and you can still enjoy the celebrations, the people around you and the atmosphere without feeling like you are missing out. These 10 tips can help you stay steady, comfortable and confident throughout the season.
1. It’s OK to Leave a Little Earlier
You do not have to stay out as long as you used to. It can be easier than you think to leave a Christmas party or any other yuletide event earlier than you usually would, as most people are too wrapped up in the evening to notice when someone slips away a little earlier. That said, if you are staying over at someone’s house or cannot leave, switch to soft drinks and keep things simple.
2. Be the Designated Driver
Responsibility is one of the key ways to avoid drinking too much this Christmas, and being the designated driver is one of the easiest ways to stay sober without having to explain anything. It gives you a clear role and makes you incredibly useful to the people who are drinking. You’ll also be very popular with those who are drinking, as you can safely ferry everyone home!
3. Keep Your Response Simple
You shouldn’t have to explain yourself to anyone, and if you prefer not to discuss why you are not drinking, keep your answer short and neutral. Most of the time, a simple, “I’m good with soft drinks tonight”, is enough.
4. Let Other People Carry the Energy
You might feel self-conscious at the start of the evening, especially if you are surrounded by people who are drinking. However, as the night settles in, others loosen up, and the atmosphere becomes easier to relax into. It’s easier for a sober person to relax in the presence of a tipsy person, as you can coast off their energy. As humans, we’re receptive by nature, so you’ll find that you’ll start to feel less like you’re “sticking out like a sore thumb” and more comfortable as the night goes on.
5. Make Connection The Priority
One of my favourite parts of the festive season is the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, and you can put more emphasis on who you talk to rather than what you’re drinking. Find out what your friends and family have been doing since you saw them last, ask them questions, and be interested in what they have to say. What’s more, with no alcohol, you might actually remember these treasured conversations in the morning!
6. Chose Plans That Involve Food
Make this your new rule for Christmas. If your friends insist on skipping dinner and heading straight to the bar, then it’s ok to decline. Better yet, meeting people for dinner or going somewhere with good food naturally takes the emphasis off drinking. Suggest a restaurant, a market, or anywhere that feels centred around the experience rather than what you’re drinking.
7. Bring Someone For Support
Having a friend or family member join you in staying sober can make everything feel easier. Even one person who understands what you’re aiming for can take the pressure off. If you’re at a party, getting your own soft drinks helps you keep control and prevents people from handing you something you don’t want.
8. Plan for Stressful Moments
Christmas can be a time of great stress – family arguments are more likely to erupt, and just the general busy nature of the season can make tempers fray. The trick is to be prepared for this. If tension rises, take a breather rather than reaching for a drink. Step outside, take a quick walk, switch rooms, or help with something practical or distract yourself with a calmer activity. Small resets help you stay grounded.
9. Explore Non-alcoholic Options
The beauty of Christmas is the abundance of flavours around us. You can easily make your own non-alcoholic mulled wine, which, in my opinion, tastes even better than the alcoholic version. All you need is spiced winter berry cordial, cinnamon, brown sugar, and oranges, and an added bonus is that the house smells glorious!
Additionally, bars, pubs, and supermarkets now offer far more alcohol-free options than they used to, so there is plenty of opportunity to try non-alcoholic cocktails, beers or festive soft drinks.
10. Ask For Gifts That Support Your Lifestyle
Let friends and family know what you would genuinely enjoy receiving. Experiences, vouchers, books or something special for yourself are all solid choices.
If you’re doing Secret Santa at work, Elfster is a great app to use. Everyone involved can list a handful of gifts within the budget, and your secret Santa can then pick something from your list! And if you do happen to receive a bottle of wine or spirits as a present, you can simply re-gift it to someone who will appreciate it or donate it!
With a bit of sober planning, the Christmas season becomes easier to enjoy on your own terms, and you can step into January feeling clear-headed and proud of the choices you made, and with memories you actually want to keep.
Now, it’s over to you! Go out there, have fun, and Merry Christmas!
About the Author
Dr. Olubunmi Aboaba is a global wellness strategist and award-winning expert in addiction, burnout, energy alignment, and sustainable personal transformation. Known widely as Dr. Olubunmi, she blends scientific understanding with integrative healing to support high achievers, executives, and individuals at all stages of their journey toward freedom and fulfilment.
Her unique approach, rooted in what she’s titled, The Recovery Code, integrates modern science, neurochemical insights, and ancient wisdom to address not just symptoms, but the energetic and psychological patterns that underlie addiction, burnout and chronic stress. Dr. Olubunmi’s work acknowledges that true recovery is about restoring balance between mind, body, spirit, and energy systems.
A sought-after speaker and coach, Dr. Olubunmi has helped clients from diverse backgrounds, including corporate leaders, creatives, and celebrities, overcome lifelong challenges and redefine their relationship with purpose and well-being.
Her work has earned recognition, including the Platinum Award for Holistic Therapy, and she continues to innovate recovery support through personalised programmes, keynotes, and educational content.