Hey there, lovely listeners! It's that time of the year again, and Sonia and Kathleen are here to chat about the glitter and tinsel of the holiday season, all while keeping our glasses alcohol-free. They’re sharing our own stories and tips on how to stay sober and joyful during this festive time. The holidays can be a jolly jumble of joy and stress, right? From the aroma of mulled cider to the clinking of glasses, we're surrounded by cheerful temptations. But fear not, they’ve got some tricks up our sleeves to stay on the merry path of sobriety. They'll delve into those sneaky triggers, like the endless parties, the sometimes overwhelming family gatherings, and even those off-hand comments from Uncle Joe about why you're not having a drink. Mindfulness is our holiday mantra. They're talking about staying present and savoring each moment, whether it's the twinkle of Christmas lights or the laughter of friends, all without that extra glass of eggnog. And let's not forget about those surprise triggers that pop up like unannounced carolers. They've both been there and will share how they learned to navigate these situations with grace and a good sense of humor. Setting boundaries is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket. They discuss why it's okay to say no to certain events or to step away for a bit of quiet time. It's all about taking care of you. Lastly, they chat about creating new traditions that don't center around alcohol. From festive mocktails to winter walks, there are so many ways to celebrate that keep the spirit high and the spirits low. As a special treat they have a review of two alcohol-free bellinis - Cipriani White Peach Bellini and Mingle Blackberry Hibiscus Bellini! Join them as they laugh, share, and sip a mocktail or two!  Let's make this holiday season one filled with warmth, connection, and sober celebrations! This is Sisters in Sobriety, a podcast brought to you by EverBlume, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol.  Highlights:0:30 | Reasons why the holiday season can be difficult for those avoiding alcohol3:14 | How mindfulness can help with triggers4:47 | Unexpected triggers during the holidays5:58 | Kathleen's struggles during her first sober holiday8:54 | Sonia's struggles during her first sober holiday10:37 | Sonia's epic drunken Christmas fail in 200712:18 | Triggers for binge drinking during the holidays13:36 | Coping mechanisms and setting boundaries to avoid binging16:37 | How to stay sober when you’re having a tough year17:26 | Importance of showing up and using your tools for sobriety20:00 | Creating new traditions during holidays21:17 | Seeking support wherever you can get it23:32 | Alcohol-free alternatives 25:00 | The need to address isolation and seek support if feeling isolated.25:23 | Having a plan before entering difficult situations is crucial.25:50 | The importance of having a plan to stay sober on New Year's Eve.26:00 |  A review of 2 Christmas Bellinis! Links: EverBlume WebsiteEverBlume InstagramEverBlume Email - [email protected]’s LinkedInKathleen’s Website *Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcast*Kathleen’s LinkedInKathleen’s Instagram