UBC January 2025 - Staying Sober during the Holidays

The other day I wrote about the magical Christmas Market at Ravenna Gorge, but one thing stood out to me: The overwhelming presence of Glühwein. Among the many stands offering mulled wine, the only non-alcoholic options were "Kinderpunsch" and hot chocolate. It seemed like the assumption was that every adult must drink alcohol.

This reminded me of a heartfelt post I came across recently. A recovering alcoholic with 21 sober Christmases shared this gentle reminder:

Every year at this time I want to politely remind everyone of something dear to my heart.

This is a time of celebrations - company dinners, parties, family gatherings, Christmas markets, etc. It's not just beginning to look a lot like Christmas, but there is alcohol everywhere you go.

Please remember that there are people who have suffered or are still suffering from addiction. As a recovering alcoholic with 21 Christmasses under my belt (yay me!), I still need to remain vigilant at this time of the year. On every corner I am confronted with wine, hot toddies, punch, eggnog, coffee with schnapps, etc. Even though I have been enjoying sobriety for a long, long time, I still have to be aware of an urge to 'have just one' when almost everyone else around me is drinking, toasting and staying warm with their cup of hot eggnog.

Here are a few tips to make it easier for people who don't, can't or shouldn't drink:

- When you host, make sure you have a nice selection of non-alcoholic drinks on hand. Including warm ones!

- When someone tells you they don't want a glass of wine, believe them and offer them something else. I can't tell you the number of times someone has said 'Come on, just one for the toast.'

- Before you bring alcohol to someone's home or you offer it to them as a gift, ask if it's ok. I have been in some awkward situations when people show up with a bottle. My house is my alcohol-free zone so I always have to ask them to take it back and it is embarrassing for both of us.

- Don't question anyone's motivation not to drink. Some people don't talk about it.

- Remember that it is difficult for some people to stick around when the booze is flowing. Allow them to exit gracefully.

- When you are 'out' and there is someone who isn't drinking, maybe decide to be their non-drinking buddy for the evening. There is strength in numbers and solidarity is everything.

- If you know that someone has gone through the painful, difficult but massively rewarding process of getting and staying sober, encourage them. Tell them you are proud of them. Be there for them with a smile or a gentle touch. Let them know you understand that it is challenging.

I wish everyone in this amazing group lovely holidays. May all of us have a chance to enjoy some stillness and stay in our pyjamas until 4 p.m. for three days in a row.

I found this so moving and inspiring.

As someone on a weight-loss journey (avoiding liquid calories) and married to a man who doesn’t enjoy alcohol, I’ve been fortunate to have friends who respect our choices. But I’ve also seen how often people pressure others with comments like, “Are you sure? Just one glass,” or “Come on, just for the toast.” It’s frustrating to feel like you’re being judged for saying no.

When comparing cultures, I’ve noticed Germany has a more casual, public drinking culture than Switzerland. Despite similar laws (like the legal drinking age of 16 for beer), you’re far more likely to see people drinking excessively in public spaces in Germany—at beer gardens, parks, lakesides, soccer games, or even subway stations.

At events like Munich’s Oktoberfest, the consequences are stark: in 2022, over 7,600 attendees required medical attention, many for alcohol-related issues. It’s sobering to wonder why so many people don’t—or won’t—know their limits. Is it cultural? Social? Or simply a deliberate disregard?

In Switzerland, by contrast, the legacy of Gottlieb Duttweiler, the founder of Migros, may play a role in shaping a more moderate drinking culture. To this day, Migros, one of our two major grocery chains, doesn’t sell alcohol. Perhaps that ethos of inclusion and balance influences why Switzerland offers more thoughtful non-alcoholic options.

Ultimately, being considerate of those who don’t drink isn’t just about sobriety—it’s about creating spaces where everyone can feel included, respected, and welcome. Maybe the real spirit of the season is remembering that cheers doesn’t always require clinking glasses.

What are your thoughts?