- Focus on the true meaning of the holiday or event rather than the food orgy that sometimes accompanies it.
- Don’t set yourself up to feel bad because of unrealistic expectations of what the holiday will bring. Sometimes we’re with family; sometimes with friends, sometimes we are alone.
- Face the reality of the situation beforehand. For example, if a family occasion almost always turns unpleasant, plan not to be a part of the unpleasantness. If you’re going to be alone, face that you may be sad, Plan to deal with it without excess food.
- Build up your recovery bank account before and during the holidays by attending lots of meetings, working extra hard on your 12 steps, and using all the tools, especially service. Keep in constant contact with your sponsor. The disease doesn’t take a holiday, nor should our recovery.
- Keep your OA phone numbers with you always. Use them.
- Know the limits of your recovery. When in doubt, avoid persons, places and things that have in the past triggered overeating. The party is not worth it. Choose not to attend if you feel it may be a major problem, remember that abstinence, one day at a time, must be the highest priority in your life. Without it, all other things suffer.
- From the food perspective, treat the holiday like any other day. Our disease never takes a holiday.
- Plan something special for yourself during the time other people are eating sugary desserts that you choose not to include in your food plan. Special tea, hot water with lemon, fruit … anything that is special for you and allowable in your plan.
- Whether attending a holiday gathering or ordinary party, choose to focus on the people rather than the food. Pick out people and engage them in real conversation. If they don’t want to participate, move on to the next person. People like to talk about themselves. Ask them questions about their life, their work, their families, and really listen to their answers.
- Try to genuinely connect with people at the holiday table. Food is secondary.
- There is no law that says you must give out Halloween candy. We’re not doing these kids a favor by giving them junk food Give nutritious snacks, toys, or money. Do not give out things you would not consume yourself. Then there will be no problem with leftovers.
- Set an extra place beside you (in your mind or in reality) at the table for your Higher Power.
More tips next month!
