The best sober activities to celebrate the holidays
Things to do at Indoors
Elevate the holidays with these simple yet exciting activities.1. Plan a movie night
There's nothing like cozying up with family for a Christmas movie night. The combination of fun movies and festive treats makes it one of the best ways to embrace the holiday spirit. Here’s how to host a fun movie night at home:
● Choose your movies: Creating a list alone is challenging, so ask your loved ones for requests. Classic picks include “It’s a Wonderful Life,” “Home Alone” and “A Christmas Carol.” “The Holiday” and “Love Actually” are great for a more intimate movie night.● Prepare snacks: Offer delicious snacks and beverages to enhance the viewing experience. Provide popcorn, pizza, pavlova, fresh juice and food inspired by the movies you’ll watch.
● Set the scene: Dim the lights, provide comfortable seating arrangements and use LED lamps to create a cozy atmosphere.
2. Bake holiday treats
Baking is a way to show your love for others. After all, what says “I love you” better than fresh cookies? Start with chocolate chip ones, or challenge yourself with a decadent pie recipe.
Share your delicious creations with your friends, family and neighbours. Baked goods make sweet presents, reminding people of the effort you poured into creating the treats.3. Host a game night
Board games, puzzles and quizzes are exciting activities for all ages. Whether it’s checkers, a classic Monopoly game or Trivial Pursuit, a game night can instantly become everyone’s favourite holiday tradition. Aside from the fun, it’s an excellent way for parents and grandparents to improve their social connections with their children and grandchildren.Don’t just prepare board games and rip open a bag of pretzels. Send an invitation, set the mood with lighting, provide comfortable cushions, and prepare finger foods such as a simple charcuterie, soda drinks, and seasonal skewers with fruits and vegetables.
4. Exchange gifts
Traditional gift exchanges are always fun, but try exploring new themes to elevate them. Get inspired by these creative ideas:● Homemade gifts: This could include anything from personalised items to baked goods, adding a personal touch to the gift-giving event.
● Book swap: Hosting an at-home party with your fellow bookworms? Consider a book-swapping event.
● Mystery gift bags: Wrap gifts in identical bags to keep the contents a mystery until opened.
● Travel-themed gifts: If you and your family love travelling, consider gifting items like travel guidebooks, essentials and souvenirs.
5. Start a gratitude journal
Journaling is ideal for calming your mind and body amidst the holiday rush. Reflect on this year’s happy moments and how they made your year more memorable.
Consider experiences, achievements, people and lessons that have enriched your life. Doing so can help improve your mood and keep a positive outlook for the following year.
Things to do outside
Bask in the sun and holiday spirit this holiday season. Here are some fun activities best enjoyed without alcohol.1. Have a Beach Day
A beautiful day at the beach is the perfect way to relax during the holidays. The holiday season can be stressful, especially if you’re struggling with sobriety or feeling pressured to drink at parties. Spending time in nature will help you unwind and enjoy activities that don’t revolve around alcohol. Remember to unplug and put your phone away, as checking it can prevent you from resting mentally.2. Host a fitness challenge
The holidays are a time for indulgence, making it challenging to stay on track with your fitness routine. Why not incorporate exercise into your traditions? Organise a fun run or walk with friends, a Christmas morning yoga session, or a post-holiday workout challenge. It’s a fun way to stay fit this festive season.3. Join a running event
Running is a great stress reliever, especially if holiday shopping and get-togethers are overwhelming you. Sign up for a running event to motivate you to train and stay in shape. You can check Running Calendar Australia’s website to look for an event that fits your schedule. There’s nothing more rewarding than accomplishing a goal before the year ends or right after New Year’s.4. Set up a BBQ party
The holiday season isn’t complete without an outdoor BBQ party. Invite a few friends and family members for an afternoon to remember. Excite them with the idea of delicious steaks, lamb chops and kebabs. Pair it with cold meats and vegetable salads for a hearty lunch occasion.Stay happy and sober
It’s possible to have fun without alcohol. Share these fun, sober activities with your loved ones and fill their days with love and an authentic sense of celebration.
Written by Cora Gold
Cora is a wellness writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. Along with tips for health and happiness, Cora loves writing about party planning. Follow Cora on Pinterest, LinkedIn and Twitter.
