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Holiday Traditions Can Trigger Relapse Here Are Five New Ones For Support

December 19, 2025

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Sober And Need New Holiday Traditions?

What were your holiday traditions before sobriety? Are they safe for a new sobriety or recovery life? Mine certainly weren’t because so many of them revolved around the drinking and the partying. The holidays can bring fear if you’re not sure how to navigate them without alcohol or substances but don’t worry! A few new holiday traditions can make all the difference.

The Fun Part Of Recovery Is Creating New Holiday Traditions

You don’t have to be sad about what’s lost this year, especially if it was drinking you said goodbye to… I’ve learned to love the holidays more than ever because I created new holiday traditions for myself that don’t end in painful hangovers or embarrassing behavior. Gone are the days of family fights, heartbreak, sickness, and whatever other drama ran my life in pre-sobriety.

5 New Holiday Traditions To Brighten The Season

Be of service in some capacity – There were so many holidays in the past that sucked for me in some capacity. I was struggling with my own sobriety, fighting with family, fighting with people I was in relationships with, etc., etc. Over the years, I have found that being of service does more for me than people I have helped. I have been of service through 12-step programs during the holidays. There are so many ways to be of service this year. Helping can take many forms from shopping for neighbors to calling isolated friends, to taking the gratitude challenge. Stay connected to those who need support in their recovery, and sometimes being of service is just not complaining, just bringing a little smile as you walk through the world today.

Start a new hobby People all over the country are cooking, painting, beading, and coloring. Or you can be creative and color your way through the 12 steps and support your recovery at the same time. Have I mentioned journaling? Download the sobriety journal prompts and start your own journal today. Journaling changing my life and can change yours, too. You can clean your house and get some plants. Little things can cheer you.

Get spiritual This can be anything. You can find your higher power with meditation, yoga, your own religion, or even candles and crystals. We love collecting things that make us feel closer to nature or to serenity.

Cook, Eat or Order – If you don’t like food, I don’t understand you. I love food. I love cooking it, going out and eating, ordering in… I just love food! The holidays have provided me an opportunity to learn how to make the holiday foods I love while also bringing my own twist into the holiday food tour. I look forward to the holidays for the food and I always will. I recommend it.

Binge-watch a show — Since I got sober years ago and watched the entire series of The Shield, binge-watching a show I’ve been meaning to watch has become a holiday tradition for me. I watched the entire series of Breaking Bad over one particularly boring holiday season. Maybe you prefer books or going to the movies but do whatever it is you love and make it a yearly thing. Binge-watching shows and comparing notes has been a pass time for millions since the Pandemic struck. It really can get you out of yourself.

Find someone or something to love — If you have a partner, spouse, children, or big family, there are lots of people around to share the love. For me, there were years I was single and lived far from my family. In those years, it was essential to love the ones I was with. I’d invite sober friends over for a meal, I’d do special things for my dogs, and I’d go out to a special meal with one of my besties. Celebrate anyone in your life who you care for. We are meant to love other people and animals. As I mentioned, this is a good time to foster a dog or cat, or even give one a forever home. Last year I got a rescue from China called Bentley. This year we have a new baby called Stella. Maybe we have enough dogs now. Enjoy your season.