Saturday 26 December 2015

First Sober Christmas!

Hurrah! Whoop whoop! I got through Christmas sober! In fact, I didn't just get through it - I enjoyed it! Who knew?

The day started at about 7am when #1, #2 and #3 came in with their stockings. It appears that Santa chose particularly wisely this year. Well done him!

Then, after breakfast, we gathered round the tree to open a few of the presents. For the first time in many years it was just the five of us for Christmas, so super relaxed.

#1 and I left the others to play and prepare lunch, while we went to church.

I was really keen to go back to the church where Mr SM and I were married, and #1 was baptised. It's the oldest church in London (St Bartholomew the Great), built in 1123 and utterly awe inspiring, but it's in the City - on the other side of London.

So we drove, through deserted streets, along Piccadilly, past Soho, through the old legal district and the new financial district, and into Smithfield.

The church was packed - standing room only, and the service was beautiful, with a full choir, a procession past the crib, and lots of carols.

Then it was time for communion.

Now, given everything that's happened over the last year, I thought I really should take communion.

But what to do about the wine?

I figured that it'd only be one sip, and, if it's blessed, then maybe it doesn't count? After all it's been transubstantiated! It was actually the blood of Christ, right?

So, dear friends, I had a good old gulp of communion wine. And, I have to confess, I enjoyed it. That full, rich flavour, and that slight burning sensation in your throat.

I (almost) considered re-joining the back of the queue and having another go. Which just goes to show: once an addict, always an addict...

We got back in time for a slap up lunch. I had a glass of AF wine (Torres Natureo), which wasn't bad, and at least gave me the illusion of a 'special treat'.

Mr SM had found a mini bottle of champagne and teeny weeny bottle of port from M&S who were doing a special 'Christmas for One' offer. I do hope he didn't feel too hard done by...

More present opening after lunch, except for poor #2. #2 takes after his Mum. He has a problem with moderation and, as such, had opened pretty much all his presents, in a flurry of over-excitement and hastily torn wrapping, in the morning, leaving him almost nothing left.

(Check out my post on Borrowing Tomorrow's Happiness)

Then we played games and watched Christmas TV (along with regular sessions of bailing out water from the cellar - see yesterday's post) until bedtime.

And, you know what? Without the wine, it was so easy. No arguments, no stress, no self hatred. Just fun, joy and gratitude.

And today? A clear head, tidy house, and a huge sense of achievement.

Roll on Christmas 2016! Because, like everything, once you've done it once, it's never so scary again.

Merry Christmas, and huge congratulations to you all!

Love SM x



26 comments:

  1. Well done you! Sounds like a perfect Christmas. I managed a 3 hour post dinner nap! Who knew that the food alone can induce such an assault on the body ;-) Enjoy the rest of the holiday. LNM x

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    1. Ooh just realised I'm 10 months sober today! x

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    2. Yay! Huge congrats on both fronts, my fabulous friend xxx

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  2. Merry Christmas, SM. My first AF Christmas in 40 years so I feel a kinship with you. Yesterday was magic, just my family: hubs and my two girls and their husband/ boyfriend. No drama.
    Wish you continued peace 🙏

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    1. And to you! Huge congrats and merry Xmas xxx

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  3. Glad you had a good day! I also feel a huge sense of achievement after my first sober Christmas, and as my 8 year old daughter was up early being sick yesterday and today, I'm so glad I was able to be there for her not hungover/drunk. I've had a sober Hogmanay before so that's less of a thought, but Christmas was a biggie! I was surrounded by people getting hammered so it helped to think of all you lovely sober blogging community, and it gave me strength. Well done all of us! X

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    1. Huge congrats SB! Well done to all of us indeed xxx

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  4. Yay! We did it. I actually found it quite easy but, to be very honest, I did feel something was missing.... I ate loads including all things alcohol based but missed the champagne and wine. Hey ho onwards and upwards. Feel quite emotional today and a bit down. Big family party today so am hoping that helps. Good luck with the mopping up. Been pouring here all night and still raining!

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  5. Congrats, SM, sounds an amazing day! I also enjoyed my first sober Chrimbo, and am quite chuffed to be lying in a relaxing bath right now and NOT feeling sick, which was my traditional Boxing Day activity of past years. Glad you're feeling strong enough to deal with the cellar disaster too, hope it's sorted soon. Red xx

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    1. Go Red! Am loving your blog btw. Merry Xmas! Xx

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    2. can you send me a link to Red's blog please?

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    3. Www.redrecovers.wordpress.com

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  6. You're always the first blog I look for. You make me laugh, cry and frequently nod my head with recognition. Keep blogging SM, I have read over and over that reading the blogs isn't enough, you need to comment and participate. I am starting my own blog to keep accountable. Today will be my last day drinking so tomorrow day 1. I've been sober before and I will do it again. Thanks SM for always giving me hope and at least a smile, even when you are faced with extreme adversity. I am glad you and your family had such a lovely sounding day.

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    1. Well done Groundhog Girl! Please let me know your blog address so I can keep up with how you're doing. Big hugs. I'll be with you xxx

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  7. Congrats! I also managed to get through my first sober Christmas. I was actually feeling a bit sick and lost throughout the day but kept my spirits up knowing what a great thing I was doing..actually giving my family the gift of sobriety. I felt more present and was able to chill out and enjoy (and remember) every detail of the day. Woke up fresh today with no hangover! So while it's not easy the overwhelming feeling of pride is so worth it! A big God Bless xx

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    1. Huge congrats Diana, and Merry Christmas! Xx

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  8. Merry Christmas! My first sober Christmas too, have to say I didn't even miss it, crazy.

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  9. Your Christmas sounded lovely, despite the cellar crisis. I didn't succeed in having a sober day yesterday but I'm starting again today. Annie x

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    1. Merry Xmas Annie! All your stopping and starting must be exhausting. You need to do something different this time, otherwise nothing will change. Sending big hugs xxx

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  10. Not really gone public with the blog as yet mainly because I was drinking up until tonight (quit day) but it is gingergroundhog.blogspot.com
    All very raw and gnarly at the moment but I want to be as honest as I can and drag my namesake Annie101 along with me. If you do read it please be aware that my punctuation is shocking and I am mortified to have you read it. Oh there we go, more shame! Thanks SM

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  11. Congrats to SM and the rest of you on your first sober Christmas. I had mine too and still feeling good and positive. I have the biggest variety of fancy AF drinks in the cupboard and will be sending you all positive vibes for our sober new year. Lots of love - SFM xx.

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  12. It's great to read your blog and know you have continued journey with sobriety! I'm commiting to an AF life January 1st. My Chirstmas wasn't AF, but I only drank a bit and enjoyed being present with my family. I'm ready for this journey...you are a special human being who has inspired me to "not" be afraid of stopping drinking for good!

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  13. good to read you and why have I not found you before?! in case it helps I have had similar debates with myself over taking communion and my solution has been to dip the wafer into the wine... proper name intinction. which is what is often done in my church for example if the communicant has a cold which they do not wish to pass on. I find that less triggery than sipping from the chalice... well done on your first sober Christmas!

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    1. Hi takinganewpath, and thanks for the tip! I've just found your blog too - loving the mocktails! You're awesome :) xx

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