A gentle, compassionate look at the light and shade of Christmas, with practical support for navigating stress, family dynamics, loneliness, and alcohol without losing yourself along the way.
BTW - If you didn't already know, I'm Sarah - Drink Less; Live Better founder, best-selling author, expert speaker, life coach and, as you already know, podcast host!
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Transcripts
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Hello and welcome to this episode of the Drink Less Live Better podcast. I'm your host Sarah Williamson.
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Be sure to follow me on Instagram at drinklesslivebetter and head to the website drinklesslivebetter.com where you can sign
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up for my five-day Drink Less Experiment, download my free habit tracker and join my email club for regular inspiration, ideas
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and resources to help you you live better.
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Today's episode is called It's the most wonderful time of the year or is it?
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We're talking about Christmas, of course we are, that shiny sparkly season that promises joy, connection, rest and goodwill towards all.
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Let's begin with the good stuff because there is
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Good stuff here. For many people Christmas might feel warm and meaningful.
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There's the pleasure of slowing down a little, time off work, a change in routine, moments for connection, sitting around
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a table, sharing food, laughing at the same old same old stories, watching familiar films.
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For some there's a sense of tradition and ritual that feels the same songs, the same decorations, the same walks or meals that mark the passing of time.
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There can also be a feeling of permission, permission to rest more, to eat differently, to be less productive, to say this
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week is different and that can feel like a relief in a world that usually asks us to keep pushing, hustling and be in a state
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of constant striving. There's also the unusual time of giving gifts, thinking about other people, small acts of kindness. These are all good things.
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Because life is light and shade, there are some bits around this time of year that some people find more tricky. Loneliness.
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If you're on your own or missing someone, the emphasis on togetherness can feel really heavy.
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You can also be surrounded by people and feel lonely and isolated.
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That is an odd feeling and I see you if this is your experience. For other people it's all overwhelming.
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Too many social events, too much noise, sensory overload, too many expectations, too much everything.
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Family dynamics can be difficult to navigate. Old roles resurface.
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You might find yourself feeling or acting like a teenager again, even if you're very much an adult with your own life. Conversations can be loaded. Boundaries can feel blurry.
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You may feel judged or pressured or unseen.
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And let's not forget about the financial stress.
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The costs of gifts, food, travel, the unspoken comparison, the sense that you're supposed to make it magical even if your bank account says otherwise.
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And of course for many people listening to this podcast there's alcohol.
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It is everywhere at this time of year.
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Offered as a celebration, a reward, a comfort, a social glue, a way to cope, a way to escape.
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If you're trying to drink less or not at all, that will be adding another layer of difficulty.
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You might feel like you're swimming against the tide while everyone else is floating along with glass in hand.
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So how do we navigate the tricky bits successfully?
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First, I think it helps to let go of the idea that Christmas has to be one thing.
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It doesn't have to be the most wonderful time of the year, it can be mixed, good in parts, hard in parts, both can be true.
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When we stop demanding that it be perfect we give ourselves a bit of breathing room.
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Second, think about what actually helps you, not what you think should help but what genuinely makes things easier.
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That might be going for a walk on your own each day, It might be early nights, it might be limiting how long you spend at
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certain events, you are allowed to design your Christmas in small quiet ways.
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Third, plan for the moments you know will be tricky.
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If alcohol is a challenge, decide in advance what you want to drink instead, have something you enjoy, practice a simple response
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if someone asks questions, Remember you don't owe anyone an explanation.
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I'm good with this thanks will always be enough.
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Fourth, if family time is tricky think about your boundaries. How long will you stay? What topics won't you engage with?
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Can you step outside or take a break?
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Boundaries aren't about controlling other people, they're about taking care of yourself. Fifth, Lower the bar.
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You don't have to do everything, you don't have to make everyone happy and spoiler alert that isn't your job anyway.
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You don't have to recreate a version of Christmas from a TV advert.
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Choose what matters most and let the rest be good enough.
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And finally be oh so kind to yourself.
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If you feel sad, stressed, irritated or exhausted That doesn't mean you're doing Christmas wrong, it just means you're human.
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This time of year can stir up a lot.
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Treat yourself as you would a friend with patience, with understanding, with gentleness.
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Christmas doesn't have to be wonderful to be okay.
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Sometimes a calm, manageable, slightly imperfect Christmas is more than enough.
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Thank you so much for listening to this episode of the Drink Less Live Better podcast.
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If you enjoyed it Please share it with someone who might need a little extra compassion today.
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Don't forget to follow me on Instagram at drinklesslivebetter and visit drinklesslivebetter.com for more tools and inspiration.
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Check out the show notes for a link to a hidden podcast episode that will help you with your 5pm cravings and details about
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my one-to-one life coaching and sober coaching programs and PS.
