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The Sober Docs
Join Dr. Kali Theis, a Board Certified Pediatrician and a recovering alcoholic as she delves into the world of addiction and mental health in healthcare. She’ll share her personal journey with alcoholism and recovery with honest stories, expert guests, and additional resources.
Whether you're a healthcare provider struggling with addiction or just interested in learning more, all are welcome here on The Sober Doc.
The Sober Docs
13. Staying Sober During the Holidays: Practical Strategies for Alcohol-Free Celebrations
A realistic, compassionate guide to navigating holiday parties, family gatherings, and traditions without compromising your sobriety.
The holiday season can be one of the hardest times to stay sober, especially in cultures where alcohol is woven into celebrations, traditions, and social expectations. In this solo episode, Dr. Kali Theis shares practical, lived-in strategies for protecting your sobriety during stressful, alcohol-heavy holidays.
Drawing from her own first sober holiday experience, Kali breaks down why preparation matters more than willpower and how small choices can make a big difference. She walks through six concrete tips, including planning ahead, setting boundaries, bringing your own drink, and building new traditions that actually feel good. You’ll also learn how to spot the sneaky “I deserve it” thought pattern and why staying aligned with your values brings more peace than any drink ever could.
This episode is for anyone feeling anxious about upcoming holiday events and wondering if staying sober is really possible. It is a reminder that sobriety isn’t about missing out—it’s about showing up fully and choosing yourself.
Timestamps
• 00:00 Intro and why holidays are uniquely challenging in sobriety
• 00:45 Kali’s first sober holiday and handling drink pressure
• 02:00 Tip #1: Go in with a plan
• 02:45 Tip #2: Bring your own drink
• 03:15 Tip #3: Set boundaries and protect your energy
• 04:00 Tip #4: Use emotional anchors and accountability
• 05:00 Tip #5: Avoid the “I deserve it” trap
• 05:30 Tip #6: Build new, alcohol-free traditions
• 06:30 Sober holiday game plan recap
Takeaways
• Staying sober during the holidays is about preparation, not willpower.
• Simple boundaries and rehearsed responses can reduce anxiety and pressure.
• You always have permission to step away or leave environments that challenge your sobriety.
• Alcohol doesn’t deliver the peace it promises—alignment with your values does.
• New traditions can feel just as meaningful, if not more, without alcohol.
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