IT’S BEGINNING TO LOOK A LOT LIKE… ANOTHER ROUND YOU DIDN’T PLAN
Why Christmas Drinking Creeps Up — and How to Stay in Control
December has a way of speeding up. One minute you’re unboxing decorations; the next you’re saying yes to events you didn’t plan, drinking more than you meant to, and waking up wondering, “How did that get away from me?”
Christmas normalises drinking like no other month. The pressure increases. The routines vanish. And alcohol becomes the default social glue — refilled glasses, work parties, long lunches, “just one more” culture. You’re not imagining it. The environment changes, and the behaviour follows.
If you feel the wobble each year, you’re not alone — and you’re not powerless. Small decisions can help you stay steady, whether you want to cut back or take a full break.
This edition gives you simple, practical ways to stay in control through the festive swirl.
THE SHIFT: FROM FESTIVE AUTOPILOT TO FESTIVE AWARENESS
Most people don’t choose to drink more in December — it happens through momentum. Lost sleep, emotional overload, pressure to “be fun”, family dynamics, financial stress, and darker evenings all nudge us toward the easy option: a drink to take the edge off.
The moment you pause, you interrupt the autopilot. And once you interrupt it, you can steer — not just react.
FIVE MOVES FOR A STEADIER DECEMBER
1) Decide Before You Arrive
Boundaries made at home are stronger than decisions made at the bar. Confidence rises when the decision is already made. Choose your plan:
- “Two drinks max.”
- “0.0% only tonight.”
- “I’m driving.”
- “Leave by 10pm.”
2) Hold a Festive Swap in Your Hand Early
The first drink sets the tone. You keep the ritual without the spiral. Try:
- 0% sparkling wine
- Alcohol-free lager or IPA
- Ginger beer with lime
- Spiced apple & cinnamon
- A proper mocktail in the same glassware
3) Use One Simple Line for Peer Pressure
You don’t owe anyone an essay. Use one of these:
- “I’m keeping a clear head.”
- “I’m pacing myself.”
- “I’m doing a dry December.”
- “I’m good with this, thanks.”
4) Notice Your Signals
December has early warning signs. When one of these shows up, slow down. That pause is your power.
- Drinking at events you normally wouldn’t
- Waking foggy more often
- “I’ll fix it in January” thinking
- Using alcohol to change your state
5) If You Don’t Want to Drink at All — Start with Identity
Stopping is easier when it’s who you are, not what you’re trying to avoid. Identity makes decisions simple. Switch from: “I’m trying not to drink,” to: “I don’t drink.”
If you’re curious about a full alcohol-free December, my book Walking Back to Happiness and my Sober Curiosity programmes walk you through the first steps with clarity, tools, and support.
A SUPPORTING HAND: ALCOHOL CHANGE UK
As a Community Champion for Alcohol Change UK, I work with thousands of people each year who want to cut back or take a break.
Their free Try Dry app tracks alcohol-free days, money saved, calories avoided — and supports both full breaks and their Cutting Back Challenge.
You don’t need to wait for Dry January. You can start tonight.
THE NEXT 48 HOURS
A calmer December doesn’t happen by luck. It happens because you choose steadiness over autopilot. Pick one event in the next week.
- Decide your drink plan before you go.
- Choose your AF swap.
- Rehearse your one-line boundary.
LISTEN TO THE FEEL GOOD HOUR THIS FRIDAY
Tune in to Radio Ashford’s Feel Good Hour this Friday, where we’ll be talking all about Christmas drinks — why they creep up, how to stay in control, and what practical tools really help.
Listen on 107.1 FM in the Ashford area, online, or simply tell your smart speaker: “Play Radio Ashford.”
WORK WITH NIGEL
Coaching, NLP & Hypnotherapy to change habits and reduce anxiety — in person (Charing, Kent) or online. Reply to this email or visit 9kmby9am.com.
Book: Walking Back to Happiness — The Secret to Alcohol-Free Living & Well-Being. Practical tools to change your story.
Try First Class Coach — Nigel’s AI coach — to keep you accountable between sessions.
LINKS
Website: https://www.9kmby9am.com
Email: nigel@9kmby9am.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/purpletangerine
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/9kmby9am
Radio: https://www.9kmby9am.com/about-nigel/radio-ashford-the-feel-good-hour/
Newsletter – https://www.9kmby9am.com/latest-news/newsletter/
Sober Coaching – https://www.9kmby9am.com/coaching/getsobercurious
TRY MY AI LIFE COACH
BOOK
Author Page – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nigel-Jones/e/B0B7RP6LH6/
Paperback https://amzn.eu/d/573olDm
Hardcover https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/191514731X/
Kindle / eBook https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B7QVJP2M/
#9kmby9am #NigelJones #ChristmasDrinks #DryDecember #AlcoholFree #SoberCurious #Wellbeing #HabitChange #Anxiety #Sleep #Mindset #Hypnotherapy #NLP #AlcoholChangeUK
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