Yes, it’s Halloween. Yes, you’ve associated Halloween with wine in your Yeti cup while bringing the kids trick-or-treating. But listen that doesn’t have to be the way it goes today. Just because it’s always been that way doesn’t mean that it has to continue.
In a couple of weeks, I’ll be celebrating 3 years of sobriety. On October 31, 2016, I took my son trick-or-treating and put wine in a red solo cup (classy). Between the rain showers and holding an umbrella and trying to make sure my son wasn’t going to get hit by a car, I spilled RED WINE all over my jacket. Seriously ALL OVER. I was a hot mess and I thought this was normal behavior. No, this isn’t normal and my son didn’t deserve a mother who was more worried about having her sips of wine then watching his excitement.
This Halloween it’s going be rainy and windy here in Connecticut, but guess what? I don’t have to worry about juggling my wine because there is none. I get to be present with my son. Being present doesn’t mean all of it will be good. Most of it will, but yes I’m sure I’ll be annoyed at some point when he doesn’t listen to me or eats a ton of candy when we get home. The good definitely outweighs the bad. They only stay small for so long. They only want you holding their hand for so long. Absorb these times before it’s too late. Start new traditions with your kids for the holidays and stop with the mindset that you won’t have any fun without your beloved glass of wine. Give it a chance and you’ll see that you absolutely CAN! Below are a few tips to keep you on the sober path this Halloween.
1. After you get home from trick or treating put on a scary movie or if you’re into LifeTime (like myself), then they’re already playing Christmas movies 24/7.
2. Eat all the candy. Today is your free pass to indulge in sweets and not wine.
3. Try not to let the little moments of frustration get to you. This is ONE DAY out of the year where your kids are super excited to dress up and get candy. Deep breaths and your favorite seltzer, coffee, tea, NA beverage, or mix up something special in your Yeti cup instead of wine.
TODAY at 11:59 pm EST is also the LAST CHANCE for you to join the 30 Day Alcohol-Free Challenge for November. Are you ready to let go of the control alcohol has over your life? Are you ready to feel confident in your decision to not drink? Are you ready to be supported by 19 other women and myself through the next 30 days? Let’s do this TOGETHER and show yourself how truly capable you really are!