The Week Between Christmas and New Year: A Sober Reset

People love to joke about the strange, foggy time between Christmas and New Year’s—like it’s some kind of twilight zone.

For many people, it probably is.

It definitely was for me.

Before sobriety, this week meant bouncing from one holiday party to the next. I’d do the bare minimum to get showered and dressed, prop myself up, and pour a drink. I’d fake laugh, lean hard into sarcasm, and tell everyone how great I was doing.

I usually started drinking late morning—sometimes as soon as I arrived.

I’d either overeat or not eat at all. I’d pass out early or force myself to keep partying well past my bedtime, all in the name of holiday cheer and togetherness.

Each new year, I crossed the finish line utterly exhausted. The final push of the holiday season always tipped me over the edge.

I didn’t enjoy the holidays—but I loved the excuse to drink more, and more often.

When Holiday Stress and Alcohol Went Hand in Hand

The holidays stressed me out.

My regular life already felt overwhelming. Adding extra events, expectations, and emotional labor made it feel unlivable. But as a people-pleasing perfectionist, I powered through.

Gold star.

I packed up my family, showed up at uncomfortable gatherings, and poured wine to “relax” and “treat myself.” The wine kept flowing. Overindulgence felt justified.

I put myself last—every year.

My self-care disappeared unless you count sneaking drinks as a reward. Emotions and grief piled up, but I stuffed them down so I could keep showing up with a smile.

I was burned out. Exhausted. Numb.

And I called it a good time.

I didn’t know any better.

Perfectionism, achievement, and people-pleasing got the best of me. I wrote about it in this blog, 

Harnessing Frenzied Energy,  How to Stay Productive, Focused and Balanced Without Burning Out

Sobriety Changed Everything—Especially the Holidays

Now I know better.

Sobriety taught me something radical: life has responsibilities, but stress is optional.

This year, I didn’t force all the holiday extras. I did things because I wanted to—not because I felt obligated.

I made rest a priority.

I wrapped gifts in the quiet morning hours with coffee and Christmas music because I honored my need for downtime the night before. I kept my daily walks, journaling, and meditation. I added more—not less—self-care: spa baths, early bedtimes, and quiet reading.

I lit early morning fires and sat with my Christmas tree, appreciating it instead of rushing past it.

I gave gladly.

I even hosted—gladly.

For the first time, I had the capacity to be fully present with the people I love.

Before sobriety, I was always crawling toward my next drink—barely surviving the season.

This year, I’m thriving.

The Week Between Christmas and New Year Isn’t a Twilight Zone Anymore

Now, the space between Christmas and New Year feels intentional.

It feels spacious.

It feels grounded.

I work for myself, manage my own schedule, and balance work and home with ease. This is actually my busiest professional season—and I love it. I wake up energized and inspired to create.

I took down decorations slowly, with gratitude and nostalgia. Another year in the books. Holiday bins packed with memories, tucked away until next year.

This week is no longer confusing or chaotic.

It’s the runway for the new year.

I reflect on the year behind me. I review progress. Habits continue. Possibilities unfold.

Rest doesn’t feel lazy—it feels strategic. Comfort is intentional. Productivity is aligned.

This isn’t a twilight zone.

It’s a gift of time and space.

There Is Another Way to Do the Holidays

Sobriety gave me back my agency.

I’m no longer letting life drag me forward—I’m leading. I listen to my body. I trust my energy. I choose rest when needed and action when aligned.

And I’d love to help you experience this too.

If the holidays leave you depleted…
If alcohol has become the coping tool…
If you want to start the new year feeling clear, energized, and supported—

✨ Download my FREE Insider App and join our First 90 Days Wellness Challenge to help you reset your relationship with alcohol and reclaim your magic.

Read my other posts;

Why Do We Drink More During the Holidays?

Preparing For Dry January

Happy New Year 🤍