The holidays are often painted as a time of celebration and connection, with glittering glasses clinking in toasts around every corner. For many, those moments had to include alcohol. 

I believed the story that a glass of wine made the holidays warmer, that champagne made celebrations more meaningful. But three years ago, I broke up with alcohol—not because I hit rock bottom, but because I realized I didn’t need a “problem” with drinking to decide it wasn’t serving me anymore.

If you’re navigating the season alcohol-free, it can feel isolating, especially when everyone else around you has a cocktail in hand. But I’m here to tell you it doesn’t have to be. You can enjoy the holidays without alcohol, feel more present, and still sip on something festive.

I know this because I’ve been there. It took me five years of wanting to quit drinking before I finally did. Five years of thinking, “Maybe I’ll just cut back,” or “I won’t drink at this party” but I’d always give myself a reason to believe it was ok to break that promise to myself. 

Ultimately, it wasn’t a rock-bottom moment that led me to let go of alcohol—it was a shift in mindset. I realized I deserved to feel my best, and I didn’t need alcohol to feel worthy, fun, or included. Letting it go was a decision rooted in self-care, and I’ve never looked back.

As I approach my three-year alcohol-free milestone on December 23, I want to share how you can enjoy the holidays without alcohol. Whether you’re sober curious, thinking about cutting back, or ready to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle, you don’t need a “problem” to say goodbye to drinking. The decision can simply be about choosing more joy, health, and clarity.

Why Let Go Of Alcohol For The Holidays?

Let’s start with the benefits, because there are plenty of them, for choosing an alcohol-free holiday. And it isn’t just about skipping hangovers. It’s about giving yourself the gift of better health, deeper connections, and a clear mind. Here are some statistics that might inspire you:

1. Improved Sleep Quality: Alcohol disrupts your REM sleep, the restorative part of your sleep cycle. A 2018 study found that even moderate drinking can reduce sleep quality by 24%. Imagine waking up each day of the holidays feeling rested and refreshed!
2. Reduced Risk of Heart Disease: According to the American Heart Association, quitting alcohol can lower blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease over time.
3. Mental Clarity: Alcohol impacts your brain’s ability to process emotions and make decisions. By letting it go, you might notice less anxiety, better focus, and a greater sense of emotional balance.
4. Weight Management: Alcohol is loaded with empty calories. A standard glass of wine has about 125 calories, and cocktails can have upwards of 300. Skipping alcohol during the holidays can help you feel lighter and healthier.
5. Boosted Immune System: Alcohol weakens your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and the flu. With fewer drinks, you’re less likely to spend your holidays under the weather.
   

You don’t have to give up drinking forever to experience these benefits. Even a holiday season without alcohol can offer clarity, energy, and a renewed sense of self-worth.

Five Delicious Alcohol-Free Holiday Drinks

The good news? You don’t have to miss out on festive cocktails! Here are five alcohol-free drink options that will keep you in the holiday spirit:

1. Cranberry Sparkler
   Combine cranberry juice with sparkling water and a squeeze of fresh lime. Garnish with a sprig of rosemary or a few frozen cranberries for a festive touch. It’s tart, refreshing, and perfect for holiday gatherings.
2. Apple Cider Mule
   Swap out the vodka in a classic Moscow Mule for spiced apple cider. Mix the cider with ginger beer, add a splash of lime juice, and serve over ice in a copper mug. A cinnamon stick makes the perfect garnish.
3. Pomegranate Ginger Mocktail
   Mix pomegranate juice with ginger ale and add a squeeze of orange. Serve over ice with a sugared rim and a slice of orange for garnish. It’s sweet, tangy, and delightfully fizzy.
4. Hot Cocoa with a Twist
   Upgrade your hot cocoa with a splash of vanilla or peppermint extract. Top with whipped cream, crushed candy canes, or a dusting of cocoa powder. This cozy treat is perfect for chilly nights.
5. Spiced Tea Latte
   Brew a strong chai tea and mix it with steamed almond milk or oat milk. Sweeten with a drizzle of honey and sprinkle with cinnamon or nutmeg. It’s warm, soothing, and full of holiday flavor.
   

Each of these options offers a festive, delicious alternative to alcohol—and you can enjoy them without the aftereffects of a hangover.

Shifting Your Mindset: You Deserve To Feel Your Best

If you’re considering an alcohol-free holiday, the biggest hurdle is often mindset. For years, I thought I needed alcohol to unwind, or to feel relaxed at social gatherings. I am an introvert after all. But the truth? I didn’t need alcohol at all. Letting it go wasn’t about depriving myself—it was about leaning into my true identity. I felt strongly that I was a nondrinker and alcohol did not serve me or my best self.

You don’t need a dramatic reason or a rock-bottom moment to let go of alcohol. The decision can be as simple as wanting to feel better, connect deeper, or start the New Year with clarity and intention. Choosing to say “no” to alcohol is a powerful “yes” to yourself.

Celebrate With Me On December 23

This December, I’m celebrating three years of being alcohol-free, and I’d love for you to join me. If you’ve been thinking about quitting or even just cutting back, let this holiday season be the start of your journey.

Together, we can toast with sparkling water, cider, or whatever festive drink you choose—and celebrate the clarity, health, and joy that come with living alcohol-free.

You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to commit to forever. But if the idea of an alcohol-free holiday feels like a gift to yourself, I invite you to unwrap it.

Here’s to a season of joy, presence, and truly meaningful connection—without the alcohol. You’ve got this, and I’m here to cheer you on every step of the way.

Let’s raise our mocktail glasses together and make this holiday season one to remember for all the right reasons. Cheers to your health, your worth, and your beautiful decision to let go.