Mental Health
January 25, 2021
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The holiday season is typically filled with family and loved ones. However, if you are living in a sober living facility, your plans may not include a trip home.
This may lead to feelings of sadness or depression as you long to be with your friends and family. However, you can still have a cheerful and joy-filled holiday season even when you are away from home.
When You Can’t Go Home for the Holidays
No matter what your situation, being unable to go home for the holidays is usually difficult. However, when you are in recovery, this time can be especially hard.
Many people in recovery don’t necessarily have a home to go to during the holidays. Perhaps your family has cut you off because of your substance use or you are avoiding them because they are a trigger for you.
The holidays can be painful because you are inundated with scenes of family joy and togetherness. This may stir up various emotions like sadness, nostalgia, anger, or resentment.
As part of a sober living community, you can take solace in your newfound family. Feel comfort in those around you, many of whom had very similar experiences as you. You can create new holiday memories and traditions with them.
6 Ways to Make Your Sober Living Experience More Cheerful
Even when you are not home for the holidays, you can still produce holiday cheer in your surroundings. Here are 6 ways to create a more cheerful sober living experience.
1. Create New Traditions
While many holiday traditions include alcohol, parties, and other activities you might find triggering, you can find joy in creating new traditions. Plan an evening where you watch your favorite holiday films while enjoying a cup of hot chocolate with friends. You could even create new traditions that aren’t related to the holidays, such as a winter hike or trying new food.
2. Add Some Lights
Many people experience depression around the holidays. If you are staying sober and missing family, this depression could get worse. Many people find joy in adding holiday lights to their surroundings. Check with your roommates to see how they feel about holiday lights. If everyone is on board, start decorating.
3. Volunteer
Helping others in need is typically a good source of cheer. Check in your community to see which organizations need the most help. Perhaps you could spend time at a soup kitchen, deliver food to senior citizens, or run a toy drive for kids in the hospital.
4. Visit Virtually
If you are on good terms with your family, but still aren’t going home, plan a virtual visit to spend time together. You could send each other gifts and open them together during a video chat. With the connectivity options available today, it is the next best thing to being together in person.
5. Bake Your Favorite Treats
Food is an important part of many holiday traditions. Do you have a favorite Christmas cookie? Work with your roommates and plan a holiday baking day where everyone gets to create their favorite holiday treat.
6. Spend Time with Your Emotions
If you are feeling a sense of loss over your family during the holidays, it is important to recognize that grief. Instead of trying to ignore them or simply get over it, sit with your emotions and try to process them fully. If you have a therapist or counselor, it might be helpful to talk to them about your holiday sadness. This may help you work through your negative feelings so there is more room for joy.
Find Joy in Your Sober Living Community
With new traditions, new friends, and a newfound family, you can create fresh traditions that can help you feel more cheerful during the holiday season.
If you are looking for a community-focused sober living experience, Ethos Recovery may be the right choice. Contact us today to learn more about our community-building sober living environment.