12 ways to celebrate Christmas without alcohol
Have you thought about the role alcohol will play in your Christmas celebrations? In New Zealand culture there’s often pressure to drink at festive events, but you can set your own healthy boundaries and be a role model for your family, friends and colleagues too.
Here are some ways you can enjoy celebrating with friends and family, but come out with a clear head!
- Watch your favourite Christmas movies with homemade popcorn (experiment with different flavours – there are heaps of recipes online).
- Bake some edible gifts for your friends, neighbours and work colleagues.
- Make your own Christmas or New Year decorations.
- Volunteer at a soup kitchen or charity. You could also donate to a gift drive or foodbank.
- Go for a walk in nature. Even better, take a friend, family member or dog with you.
- Go on a photo walk in your local neighbourhood and see things through a new lens.
- Kick back with a good book – check out your local library for holiday reading lists.
- Break out the old-school board games or puzzles.
- Start a new project – scrapbooking, photo book, herb garden, knitting.
- Pamper yourself with a home manicure, foot massage or facial.
- Put together your favourite music playlist.
- Organise a FaceTime catch-up with a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
If you are drinking:
- Alternate alcohol with water or non-alcoholic drinks.
- Stay properly hydrated. Be aware of the risks of drinking alcohol in the sun!
- Eat good substantial food, not just chips and snacks when you’re drinking.
- Don’t drink and drive, but also don’t drink and swim, bike etc.