Non-alcoholic Xmas?!
Answers: I gave up drinking last New Year, I've managed the whole year without it, but have you any tips for getting through Xmas? Mince pies, cava, liqeuer chocs, brandy butter, red wine in gravy etc., etc. free!!! Other then telling everyone I have a drinking problem...
This is my tenth alcohol-free Xmas...here are some pointers based on my own experience.
As far as actual drinking at parties, no one cares. Grab a soda with lime in it. In the unlikely event that anyone asks why you're not drinking, say you aren't drinking tonight. No need for further explanation. The "I have a rare allergy...." type explanations are way more information than anyone needs!
As far as booze in food goes...there are certain foods you need to avoid or taste carefully before eating. This includes all forms of uncooked desserts many of which do have alcohol in them. If at a party I simply avoid such things (i.e. tiramisu). If at a restaurant I ask how the dish is prepared then avoid it if necessary.
Other foods have alcohol in them which has been largely cooked off, i.e. sauces, gravies. Though the booze is never gone entirely, I have found over the years that there is no affect on my brain when I eat them. In some instances I have found the taste to be somewhat offensive because of negative association, so I scrape the gravy off or only eat a little bit.
This is what I've come up with over the years. My goal is always sobriety first, but I am not one who avoids the world because I once had a drinking problem.
just say your trying to eat healtier and thats why your a little picky about what your eating, u dont have to mention that its about drink
Just steer clear of them,
but you can still have a little alcohol without having ruined your attempt to quit drinking, as long as you make sure you dont have too much.
Tell people you have discovered that you have an allergy or intolerance and dont want to spend the whole holiday sick.
There is nothing wrong with saying Im living healthier and chosen to be alcohol free. People will understand and be supportive of your decision. Get some non alcoholic eggnog and have fun.....Congratulations on your success :)
The simplest thing to do is to just drink something else. If you are not comfortable telling them that you have given up alcohol then do not do it. If someone at a party offers you a drink and they only name alcoholic beverages just ask them if they have anything else, it's that simple. If at some point they do find out that you are not drinking then they will probably tease you for a little but hey, what are friends for?
Wear an 'designated driver' t-shirt all season long & say you lost a bet.
Just say no. No I don't want any. Thank you.
No, I am okay I appreciate the offer.
It's easy.
No I haven't the stomach for Barcardi 151. Thanks though.
Host your own party without alcoholic drinks.
Well done you!!!
My friend (recovering alcoholic) always tells people she has developed a rare allergy that produces a stomach enzyme that reacts badly with alcohol and has to avoid it at all costs or she will be in severe pain. This is especially useful in restaurants as they are scared of being sued and suddenly remember that, yes the gravey does have wine in it and the trifle has a drop of sherry!!
Something along those lines is a small white lie that keeps everything social but allows you to make sure the 'secret ingredient that makes the dinner extra special' isn't wine!!
Good luck and don't let the season spoil all your hard work this year.
xxx
I think you should turn up with non-alcoholic wine or beer. I saw several in the supermarket today.
This way they will realise that you don't have alcohol anymore. There are so many tee-totallers these days now, so you won't stand out like a sore thumb.
I usually try to get some in for anyone who is tee-total or is driving at Christmas anyway. xXx
Most of my friends and family know I am a recovering alcoholic so they are pretty accommodating but it can be hard as the stuffs in everything! Marks and Spencer do a non alcoholic xmas pudd! But I would just steer clear of anything your not sure of. xx
People always forget even if you tell them you don't drink alcohol anymore. Take a bottle (or two) of sparkling non-alcoholic bubbly or rose drink to the party and drink that. You can make up Pina Colada's less the alcohol, or other yummy drinks and bring in a jug too. Either way, you drink what you bring so that you don't have to go into the "not drinking alcohol" conversation with anyone.
Just stay clear of the drinking stuff, and don't worry about cooked or baked stuff with spirits or wine in it, the heat makes the alcohol evaporate.