My First Christmas in Florida

By: Lisa B., Transformations Alumni Coordinator

The holiday season, while often associated with being a time of joy, festivities, and family traditions, can be overwhelming. Financial stress, the loss of a loved one, seasonal depression, or navigating your first (or tenth) Christmas sober comes with a host of challenges, but they do not need to be faced alone.

Navigating the holiday season with intention, self-awareness, and a supportive mindset is crucial and makes it possible to experience some holiday joy or even make it through without picking up a drink or a drug.

My first Christmas in Florida was incredibly difficult, but I succeeded and made it through because I had a plan. I longed to be home with my family, but I knew I was not yet in a place where I could do so safely. I was so accustomed to my family’s holiday traditions, the cold northern weather, and my past bad habits that I was not sure that I could enjoy a sunny, warm, sober holiday surrounded by other people in recovery. I even loathed the decorated palm trees because they did not fit my narrative of what Christmas should look like.

I ended up being so wrong.

Not only did I make it through the holidays sober, but I made it through with a new perspective on what Christmas is all about. I now had some money in my pocket to send my loved ones gifts, but more importantly, I could give them the gift of knowing that I was safe and happy. I also realized that I could give back in other ways. I could be of service to my community or brighten someone else’s holiday who was struggling with navigating life changes. Engaging in acts of kindness and giving back to the community gave me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. Volunteering not only impacted others, but it enhanced my well-being. It was the true magic of Christmas.

I prioritized self-care. The holidays are a time of hustle and bustle and can be incredibly overwhelming. Whether traveling home, working in retail and dealing with grumpy customers, or working overtime to save up some money for gifts…it can be a lot. I incorporated activities that promoted my mental well-being into my schedule, such as regular exercise, hitting the beach, yoga, or mindfulness practices.

I also communicated boundaries to those around me. If I found myself in a situation that was taxing on my mental health or putting my sobriety at risk, I said something. It became easier with time, and I found that those around me respected it.

I sought support when needed, called my sponsor, and surrounded myself with others who were also in the same boat as me. We created some awesome new, sober holiday traditions, some of which we continue today. I also realized that there are a ton of resources for those in recovery during the holidays. Many 12-step clubhouses have holiday gatherings like dinners, community service events, dances, and even around-the-clock meetings on the holidays.

Navigating the holidays in recovery certainly has its challenges. Still, you can not only survive but you can thrive during the festive season if you make your well-being a priority above all else. Doing so increases your chances of having many more beautiful years ahead of you to make countless memories with those you love. Every Christmas has gotten better than the one before it, and yes, I even appreciate a decorated palm tree now.

If you need help finding local meetings or sober holiday events in your area, reach out to the alumni team! [email protected]