11 Ways I Stay Joyfully Sober on Christmas

Why Christmas Is Hard (And Why You've Got This)

Let's be real: the holidays are basically a booze commercial wrapped in twinkle lights. Family stress, office parties, "just one glass of champagne" pressure... it's a lot.

But here's what I've learned in my 9-year sobriety journey (with two data-point detours that became my greatest teachers):

Christmas sober isn't about white-knuckling through — it's about designing your day so you don't NEED to escape it.

Top 11 Ways I Stay Joyfully Sober on Christmas

1. Start with Your Daily LOVE Practice (Before Anything Else)

Before you check your phone. Before the kids wake up. Before the chaos begins.

5 minutes minimum. Run through the 5 V's:

• Vibe: How am I feeling right now?

• Vision: What do I want today to feel like?

• Value: What matters most today?

• Villain: What's trying to pull me off course? (Name the CLADDD: Confusion, Lies, Apathy, Disconnection, Distraction, Drifting)

• Victory: What's one tiny win I can celebrate?

"Dear God, please use me for the highest good today. FOG (Focus on God) Yeah."

2. Have Your "Magic Words" Ready

When someone offers you a drink, you need a response that feels natural and shuts it down without drama:

• "I'm good, thanks — got my [sparkling water/mocktail/coffee]."

• "Not tonight, but I'd love one of those cookies!"

• "I'm not a drinker — but thanks."

No explanations needed. No apologies. You don't owe anyone your story.

3. BYOB (Bring Your Own Beverage)

Never show up empty-handed — and I don't mean wine.

Pack your sober survival kit:

• Fancy sparkling water (Topo Chico, Spindrift, etc.)

• Your favorite mocktail ingredients

• Herbal tea bags

• A beautiful tumbler so you always have something in your hand

4. Phone Your Sober Buddy

This is why we don't transform alone.

Text your sober buddy BEFORE the event:

• "Heading to family dinner. Pray for me. 😅"

• Check in during bathroom breaks if needed

• Debrief after: "I did it!"

Don't have a sober buddy yet? That's what the 11x LOVE LaB is for — You're not alone.

5. Create an Exit Strategy

You are allowed to leave. Full stop.

Know your out:

• "Kids are tired, gotta get them to bed!"

• "Early morning tomorrow — so grateful for this time together!"

• Just... leave. You don't need permission.

Tip: Drive yourself so you're never stuck.

6. Eat Before You Go (And Keep Eating)

Low blood sugar + stress + empty stomach = danger zone.

Eat a real meal before parties. 

Keep snacking. S

tay nourished.

Your body needs fuel to fight the lies your brain might tell you.

7. Play the Tape Forward

When temptation hits, fast-forward the movie:

• One drink → three drinks → saying something you regret → waking up at 3am with shame spiral → ruining Christmas morning with a hangover → your kids seeing you hungover AGAIN

Now play the sober tape:

• Sparkling water → present and laughing → peaceful drive home → waking up clear → Christmas morning MAGIC with your babies → proud of yourself

Which movie do you want to live in?

8. Move Your Body

Stuck energy needs somewhere to go.

• Morning walk before the festivities

• Dance in the kitchen while cooking

• Sneak outside for fresh air and deep breaths

• Do 11 jumping jacks in the bathroom (seriously, it works)

The body keeps the score. Move it and you shift the energy.

9. Have a Mantra on Repeat

When the villain voice starts whispering, drown it out:

• "I am LOVE and I am LOVED."

• "FOG Yeah — Focus On God."

• "Sobriety is my superpower."

• "This feeling will pass. The regret would last."

• "Let Go and Let God."

10. Reframe the Day

Christmas isn't about surviving. It's about being present for the magic.

You get to:

• Actually remember opening presents

• Be the calm in the family chaos

• Model sovereignty for your kids

• Wake up December 25th/26th feeling PROUD

You're not missing out on drinking. You're opting INTO living.

11. Remember: This Is Your Divine Masterpiece

Your life is the most beautiful composition you'll ever create. You're composing it one note at a time, one day at a time — with God as your Co-Producer.

Today is just one note.

Make it a clear one.

Make it a powerful one.

And if you stumble?

It happens - ZERO shame.

It's data, not drama.

A Lesson and a Blessing.

You dust off and keep going.

Victory In Progress, always.

You've Got This 💜

Nine years ago, I couldn't imagine a Christmas without wine. Now I can't imagine going back to the fog, the shame, the wasted mornings.

Sobriety isn't about what you're giving up. It's about what you're GAINING:

• Presence

• Peace

• Pride

• Power

You are LOVE and you are LOVED.

Peace, LOVE, & Warm Aloha 🎄✨

And a VERY Merry Christmas!

DJ Valerie B LOVE ❤️

Ready for Daily Support on Your Sobriety Journey?

The 11x LOVE Lab is coming — a God-centered community where spiritual moms like YOU get daily accountability, your sober buddy match, and the Daily LOVE Practice to stay Connection is everything.

🔥 Join the Waitlist — Be the first to know when doors open.