How to Enjoy Thanksgiving Without Alcohol

Contributing Writer – Jason Mayo

Feel that chill in the air? Thanksgiving is upon us.

The remnants of Jack O’ Lanterns are being swapped out for pinecone wreaths, and the unmistakable “Gobble Gobble!” energy fills the air. For many, Thanksgiving conjures up warm feelings of family reunions, football on TV, and toasts to the upcoming New Year.

But for those of us in recovery, the holidays can also bring a mix of anxiety and uncertainty:

• “How am I going to get through all of this without drinking or getting high?”
• “I can’t remember the last time I went through Thanksgiving sober.”
• “What do I say when people notice I’m not drinking?”

If you’re thinking these thoughts, you’re not alone.

My First Sober Thanksgiving

I was about 8 months sober when Thanksgiving rolled around, and it hit me like a steamroller.

By then, I had a handful of sober experiences under my belt—concerts, work functions, and dinners where I resisted the pull to drink or use. It wasn’t easy, but with the help of my sober network, 12-step meetings, and my wife’s unwavering support, I made it through each experience.

Here’s what I learned:

The key is experience. You gain strength and confidence in sobriety by going through experiences, even when they feel daunting at first. With a little planning, it’s possible to have an amazing, sober holiday.

Tips for a Sober Thanksgiving

If you’re worried about staying sober this Thanksgiving, here are some strategies that worked for me:

1. Communicate with the Host
   • Let your host know in advance that you’re not drinking.
   • Ask if they’ll have non-alcoholic beverage options, or bring your own just in case.
2. Bring a Sober Companion
   • A supportive plus-one can make all the difference.
   • This could be someone from your sober network, a friend, or a significant other who agrees not to drink in solidarity with you.
3. Pack Sweet Treats
   • Cravings can hit unexpectedly. Having sweets on hand can help—there’s a proven link between alcohol cravings and sugar.
   • Keep some candy or chocolate in your pocket or bag as a backup.
4. Prepare Your Responses
   • If you’re not ready to share your recovery journey, a simple explanation works wonders.
   • My go-to? “I’m on antibiotics for a cold.” It’s a harmless white lie that avoids awkward conversations.

Embracing Gratitude in Recovery

Thanksgiving is all about gratitude—it’s even in the name. For me, there’s nothing I’m more thankful for than my recovery.

Today, I can enjoy the holiday:

• Reuniting with family around the dinner table.
• Watching football with loved ones.
• Toasting to the New Year with a glass of non-alcoholic sparkling cider or my personal favorite, a Fever Tree Ginger Beer on ice, with some frozen blueberries.

Best of all, I get to do it sober.

So, this Thanksgiving, remember to plan ahead, lean on your support system, and take it one moment at a time. Sobriety isn’t just surviving the holidays—it’s truly experiencing them, with gratitude and clarity.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Jason Mayo is the creator and founder of Sober Not Subtle. He is a certified recovery peer advocate at THRIVE Recovery Community and Outreach Center in New York. Jason currently holds the position of Community Outreach Coordinator of the THRIVE Everywhere Program – a community-based recovery supports program that offers free, non-clinical activities, workshops, and events.

Before working in recovery, Jason was owner and executive producer of award winning visual effects and animation companies in NYC.

He currently writes for The Sober Curator, has been a contributing writer for the Forbes Business Council, creator of the popular Dad blog Out-Numbered, and author of the children’s books, “Do Witches Make Fishes?” and “The Boy and the Billy Goat.”

Jason is passionate about advocating for people living with substance use disorder and mental health issues. His goal is to use humor, creativity, and lived experience to make a positive impact on the world.

Jason has been sober since March 25th, 2010.