4 Tips for A Sober Curious Thanksgiving
I've been talking a lot about Thanksgiving with my American gals. I wanted to encourage you today about a few things that may be snagging your energy when thinking about the upcoming holiday.
- For my hostesses. I know you like your house a certain way. I know you love to make sure that the tablescape is perfect. I know you want the meal to be the best it's ever been. But what your children and parents and grandparents will remember is not whether or not your decorations or the food was perfect, they will remember being together. Let go of making everything perfect, and try to enjoy being with family in the moment. (Look out for thoughts that begin with "I should be/do/have...).
- If this is your first Thanksgiving, not drinking, have a full plan. Do you need to bring your own AF options? What will you say when someone asks you, "why aren't you drinking?" My favourite response to this question is - "I just realised I feel so much better and have so much more energy without it drinking. I'd love a ___(insert your favourite AF option here), please."
- Have an exit strategy. Take your car if you can, and tell your husband what time you'd like to leave ahead of time. If you are hosting, you are still allowed to have end-time boundaries. If you'd like everyone to be gone by 10 PM, say this in a message ahead of time. No, it's not rude.
- Reset your expectations. Instead of thinking that this Thanksgiving will be awkward because you chose not to drink, reframe that thought. What if this was the best Thanksgiving you've ever had because for the first time you will be fully present and able to enjoy true connection with your family? What will it feel like to wake up happy and hangover free on Friday morning? You've done Thanksgiving with wine every other year. Isn't it time to see if there's another, better way?
