Whether you are in recovery, new to sobriety, or have years of sober living under your belt, New Year’s Eve may be a difficult time to maintain your sobriety. It’s a time, for many, of excess–of partying, drinking, getting high. Can you enjoy New Year’s celebrations when you’re trying to remain clean and sober?
We think so.
Here are five ideas to help you plan sober New Year’s Eve festivities with family and friends.
Mix Some Mocktails and Host Your Own New Year’s Eve Party
Invite your friends and family to a fun-filled, alcohol-free party. Make sure to let them know ahead of time that you will not be serving alcoholic drinks. Throw a classic New Year’s Eve celebration and serve an assortment of tasty mocktails. Make, or order in, some mouth-watering food. Whether you serve an assortment of appetizers throughout the evening or decide to go with a full-course gourmet dinner, your guests will be so full of deliciousness they won’t even miss the alcohol. Make sure to have a playlist of your favorite dance music and celebrate the beginning of the New Year as you dance the night away.
If you want to skip the dancing, try these other fun party activities to ensure your guests have a memorable evening.
- Play charades, Two Resolutions and a Lie, or your favorite interactive non-board game.
- Break out board games like Telestrations, Drawing Without Dignity, or Apples to Apples.
- Have a cooking contest or a movie marathon.
- Have a scavenger hunt by hiding New Year’s Eve related items throughout your house.
- If your township or borough allows it, have a bonfire.
Plan a Spa-Themed New Year’s Eve
A spa night, whether for a few friends or for yourself, is a wonderful way to ring in the New Year. Warm some damp small towels or washcloths in a slow cooker, roll them up, and you have the same warm towels spas give to their guests. Play your favorite relaxing music and set up different pampering stations around the house: a mani-pedi station, a face care station, and a foot soaking station. Set aside a space for your guests to give each other neck, back, and shoulder massages. Have a room or an area of a room for quiet meditation. Have hot chocolate, coffee, tea, juice, and infused water available to drink, and serve a few light snacks and desserts.
A Few More Ways to Spend a Fun New Year’s Eve
- Plan a special dinner in a nice restaurant with someone you enjoy spending time with who has been a positive influence on your spiritual, mental, and physical well-being.
- If you can get away for a few days, or even overnight, choose your favorite spot or go to someplace you have never been before. Whether you go alone or with a friend, take the time to enjoy yourself. Stay in a luxury hotel or go camping. By doing what makes you feel good, you will start the New Year feeling refreshed.
- Gather a few sober friends and go to a local comedy club for a night of laughter and fun. After the show, enjoy dessert and coffee together before going home.
It Is Okay To Decline an Invitation
If you are invited to a party where you know the main focus will be on drinking or using drugs, it is alright to decline the invitation. You do not have to put yourself in the position of facing temptation. Simply and politely tell your friends or family members that you cannot attend their party. If you do decide to go to a party where you know alcohol is being served, make sure to bring your favorite drink and always have an exit plan in place. If you are feeling tempted, regardless of the time, say goodbye and leave. Have your cell phone with you and call your sponsor or a sober friend.
Help is Available
If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, start the New Year by getting the help you need. Call and speak to a trained professional at English Mountain Recovery located in the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. The caring and supportive staff will answer your questions, help you acquire tools you need, and connect you to the right resources to overcome your substance use disorder.
To learn more about programs offered at English Mountain Recovery, addiction recovery center near Knoxville, call and speak with someone today at (877) 615-8569. We are ready to help you or your loved one recover.
