DEAR KACIE

DearKACIE

SOBER FOR THE HOLIDAYS

I’ve been sober for almost a year now. I’m really nervous about traveling to see my family for the holidays. Last year, I got a DWI before Christmas. My whole family knew about it. But I’ve since had treatment and am going on eight months alcohol-free.

I don’t want to talk about last year with my family. I’m not ready for the humiliation, not to mention my family is a big wine family. Is it okay to skip the holidays with my family? I love and miss them but it’s giving me anxiety.

First of all, happy holidays! The holidays shouldn’t be a stressful time but, for many, they are. Mixing families and the holidays can be a major trigger, especially in early sobriety. I think you need to stay where your support system is. In the post-pandemic world, it’s okay to stay home for the holidays.

Stay home and find a later time to visit your family by yourself. That will hopefully take the edge off everyone drinking together in front of you. Let the holidays be a time for you. It’s okay to look after yourself first.

Have a list of things to do to keep you occupied and have a back-up list too. Watch a movie. Go out with a few friends. Volunteer at a homeless shelter. Have a coffee and watch the snow. Do whatever brings you joy. Your family will understand, I promise.

Happy Holidays!

If you have any questions you’d like Kacie to answer, submit them to contact@simplykcmag.com.