I like to make my own cordial and mix up drinks, so every now and then, I'll have some alcohol, but I can't handle beer or wine. Usually, while everyone drinks, I'm just drinking water. When I'm too nervous, I feel unwell, so I avoid alcohol altogether. I don't personally drink more in December than I do at any other time of the year, but I do notice how everyone else drinks more.

I used to date an alcoholic and my husband understands the worries that him drinking more over the holidays may cause me, so he allows me to keep him in check by letting him know if I feel worried about his consumption or if it bothers me one day. This might seem a bit "controlling" to some people, but we've established this together, in such a way and with phrases where we are both comfortable and don't feel bad if I do end up telling him I'd rather he didn't drink that cider, or would prefer he drank less one night. Besides, he drinks very slowly, and not every day, and he tries to pace himself during the holidays so that he's not drinking every day. He drinks beer so a couple times a week is usually what he does. I will be pacing myself as well, since I've recently completed several batches of cordial and I don't want them going so quickly.

We'll both be helping each other stay on top of things, as we usually do.

It's important to be aware, since many people will be drinking more and prompt social drinking. But we don't need alcohol to be social. We need good topics of conversations, we need to dive deep and talk about what truly matters to us and what we're passionate about. Then people think I'm drunk when I'm not because I can truly be myself. That's my trick to not drinking so much, I guess :p