The days leading up to Christmas and between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day can sometimes feel like an endless drinking session. Work parties, family gatherings, and social functions will likely all have alcohol being offered at different scales.
It can be challenging to decline invitations to drink and it may feel like an obligation rather than a choice. Fortunately, there are practical tips that you can use to politely turn down a drink and still enjoy the holidays, whether you’re in your golden years, middle-aged, or young.
In Louisiana, roughly 18% of adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month, and 25% more active binge drinkers drink 4.7 times per month. Typically, more alcohol is consumed during the holidays. Even social drinkers find themselves drinking more.
The key to success is to practice saying no to alcohol; whether it is a legitimate reason or a wild made-up excuse, it all works.
You can try saying, “No thank you,” “I’m driving tonight,” “I’ve got a workout planned tomorrow morning,” “I’m embracing a healthier lifestyle,” or “I’m taking medication that doesn’t mix with alcohol.”
There are also light-hearted approaches to consider, such as “No thanks, I get really belligerent when I drink,” “Before I accept, I should warn you I brought a guitar with me,” “No thanks, I left my small children at home with an angry dog,” or “A few more of these and I’ll be ready to describe my unpublished novel to you!”
Another good approach is to step into the designated driver role. This is one of the easiest excuses for not drinking at a holiday party. If you are the designated driver, you will have no explaining to do.
Most people use the responsibility excuse; the average person will not argue with obligations, whether you say you have to work or have an early morning or another responsibility. Most adults have places to be and things to get done, especially if they have kids.
Or consider bringing non-alcoholic drinks or holiday mocktails. For many of us, having a drink in hand makes us feel more comfortable in social situations. It also makes it less likely that someone else will pressure us to drink alcohol.
Finally, do not be afraid to leave a party early; walk away if people do not respect your decision not to drink. The holiday season can be enjoyed without the influence of alcohol. Cherish the moments with family and friends and create new traditions that are remembered the next day.
Marcel Gemme is the founder of DRS and has been helping people struggling with substance use for over 20 years. His work focuses on a threefold approach: education, prevention, and rehabilitation.
