Sober Soup: A Recipe for Navigating the Holidays in Recovery

The holidays are a time for celebration and a sense of togetherness. However, for people in recovery, they can also bring feelings of fear and anxiety.

No matter what holiday it is, we can approach these moments with intention and caution in many different ways. My old sponsor used to tell me about a "recovery recipe" that can help ease our hearts and minds during challenging times.

The "Sober Soup" recipe

1 cup of staying connected

Staying in contact with your support network is essential. Knowing who your people are and having them readily accessible can be a great resource for strength and accountability.

2 cups of boundaries

Setting healthy boundaries with friends and family helps ensure your safety in more ways than one. Don’t be afraid to say no to events or situations that could jeopardize your well-being and sobriety.

4 tablespoons of planning ahead

Having a plan is vital. What will you do if someone offers you a drink? Preparing an exit strategy or a response in advance can help you stay on track.

3 tablespoons of being kind to yourself

Recovery is a journey, and it’s okay to face moments of struggle. Every minute of the day that you remain sober is a victory—acknowledge and celebrate those wins, no matter how small they may seem.

2 dashes of creating new traditions

If old traditions bring up difficult emotions or memories, create new ones that reflect your goals and the new sober version of yourself.

It’s the little tips and tricks we learn along the way that make a difference. This recipe was shared with me 17 years ago, and to this day, I still practice it.

Every morning, I remind myself that I am in recovery, and each day is an opportunity to choose sobriety. #WeDoRecover