Christmas can be a time for addicts and alcoholics in recovery to keep their distance because they can feel like they are outcasts from the rest of the world. Early sobriety can leave addicts and alcoholics seemingly raw. The feeling of unworthiness can arise in lieu of celebrating something as meaningful as Christmas morning festivities. Taking time to experience the joy of the holidays can be achieved by doing a few simple things to be present on Christmas morning.
Stay in the moment.
If you are reliving the past or getting into the future, you can really limit your usefulness to be of maximum service to the people around you. Instead of holding grudges, harboring resentments, or putting unnecessary expectations onto the special people you surround yourself, stay in the moment and just enjoy your Christmas morning.
Appreciate the life you GET to live.
While you were living out your addiction, you probably had some really terrible things that transpired for you. Although you made the decision to get into recovery, you will still have a life that is full of ups and downs and that is sometimes difficult. You can walk through anything, including hanging with relatives that make you cringe, without doing something to numb yourself. Live your life to the fullest to appreciate the life of recovery that you get to live.
Keep your eye on the presents.
The gifts of sobriety are some of the best presents that you may ever receive. Reconciliation with friends and family, serenity, faith, and acceptance are just a few reasons to keep your eye on the prize that recovery has to offer you.
Bottom line – be grateful.
There are so many things to be grateful for during the holiday season, especially in sobriety. You could probably always find the things that irritate you or inconvenience you, but if you can find the things that you are truly grateful for in any situation, you can turn that frown upside down and preferably be full of gratitude.
Christmas morning can be daunting for some people that are less fortunate or newly sober. Even if you do not have a ton of presents, you can be present and present yourself as a sober person in recovery. That will be the best gift of all that you will be able to give on Christmas morning.
Serenity Oaks Wellness Center is an extensive 5-week program that is focused on helping to relieve the stress of starting the recovery process. Please call our team of specially trained admissions counselors to get you started today.
Call us: 844-720-6847
