By Jennifer McDougall
The holiday season is a time for joy, reflection, and connection. At Passages Malibu, we understand that maintaining sobriety during this period can be challenging. To help, we’ve compiled a list of 10 sober and fun activities that can make your holiday season both enjoyable and fulfilling.
1. Host a Sober Party: Organize a get-together with friends and family where alcohol is not the focus. Serve delicious non-alcoholic beverages and focus on good food, games, and conversation.
2. Explore Nature: Reconnect with nature by going for a hike, a walk in a local park, or a trip to the beach. The serenity and beauty of nature can be incredibly calming during the hectic holiday season.
3. Volunteer Your Time: Giving back to the community can be incredibly rewarding. Consider volunteering at a local shelter, food bank, or charity event. It’s a meaningful way to spread holiday cheer.
4. Try a New Hobby: Use the extra time during the holidays to start a new hobby or revisit an old one. Whether painting, knitting, woodworking, or writing, engaging in creative activities can be therapeutic.
5. Exercise: Stay active by joining a fitness class, going to the gym, or practicing yoga. Exercise is not only good for physical health but also boosts mental well-being.
6. Attend Sober Events: Look for local events or meetups that are alcohol-free. Many communities offer a variety of sober holiday activities, from concerts to craft fairs.
7. Cook or Bake: Experiment in the kitchen by trying new recipes or baking holiday treats. Cooking can be a fun and rewarding way to spend your time, and you can share your creations with loved ones.
8. Watch Holiday Movies: Have a movie marathon with classic holiday films. It’s a cozy way to get into the holiday spirit without any triggers.
- “It’s a Wonderful Life” (1946) – A timeless classic that inspires gratitude and appreciation for life’s blessings.
- “Elf” (2003) – A lighthearted and humorous tale about a man raised as an elf at the North Pole who discovers his true identity.
- “Home Alone” (1990) – A fun and adventurous story of a young boy who outsmarts burglars when left home alone during Christmas.
- “The Polar Express” (2004) – An animated adventure that takes viewers on a magical train ride to the North Pole.
- “Love Actually” (2003) – A heartwarming romantic comedy that explores different aspects of love during the holiday season.
- “The Holiday” (2006) – A charming film about two women swapping homes for the holidays and finding unexpected romance.
- “Miracle on 34th Street” (1947) – A beloved classic that celebrates the wonder of childhood belief and the Christmas spirit.
- “A Charlie Brown Christmas” (1965) – An animated favorite that delves into the true meaning of Christmas through the eyes of Charlie Brown and his friends.
- “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” (1989) – A hilarious and relatable depiction of a family’s attempt to have a perfect holiday gathering.
- “Frozen” (2013) – Although not a traditional holiday movie, its wintry setting and themes of family and love make it an excellent choice for the season.
9. Read or Write: Catch up on reading or start journaling. Writing can be especially beneficial for self-reflection and processing emotions during recovery.
10. Practice Mindfulness and Meditation: Dedicate time to mindfulness practices. Meditation, breathing exercises, and gratitude journaling can help maintain a balanced and peaceful mindset.
Celebrating the holidays sober doesn’t mean missing out on fun. These activities offer ways to enjoy the season while staying true to your recovery journey. At Passages Malibu, we support your path to sobriety and provide resources to help you through every step of your journey, including the holiday season.
