The run-up to Christmas and the time between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day might seem like an endless drinking session. Work parties, family gatherings or any holiday party will likely all have alcohol. It can feel like constant temptation. 

While drinking alcohol should feel like a choice, it can also come across as feeling like an obligation and challenging to turn down the invitation to drink. Fortunately, there are practical tips that you can use to politely turn down a drink and still enjoy the holidays, whether you’re in your golden years, middle-aged or young. 

According to the New York State Department of Health, an annual survey of adults showed one in six adults in New York State reported excessive alcohol use in the form of binge or heavy drinking.  

Declining the offer to drink alcohol during Christmas should not be a challenge. Consider avoiding social pressure when you can; generally, this would mean staying away from situations where people are drinking. Yes, this is not always possible during the holidays, so it’s a good idea to practice saying no. 

Try being direct and honest at first, and say things like “No thanks, I don’t drink anymore,” “Alcohol does not mix well with me, “I can’t drink because my alcohol use gets out of hand sometimes,” or “I’ve decided I feel better without alcohol in my life.”

If you cannot be straightforward, invent clever excuses, such as “I am taking a prescription I cannot mix with alcohol,” “I am training for a marathon, I can’t drink,” “Drinking is against my religion,” “No thanks, I get really belligerent when I drink,” or “Before I accept, I should warn you I brought a guitar with me.”

You can also consider bringing non-alcoholic drinks or making holiday mocktails. For many of us, having a drink in hand makes us feel more comfortable in social situations. It also makes it less likely that someone else will pressure us to drink alcohol.

Another good approach is to step into the designated driver role. This is one of the easiest excuses for not drinking at a holiday party. If you are the designated driver, you will have no explaining to do. 

Most people use the responsibility excuse; the average person will not argue with obligations, whether you say you have to work or have an early morning or another responsibility. Most adults have places to be and things to get done, especially if they have kids. 

Regardless of the reason you use, stay focused on the real meaning of the holiday season. It is a joyous time of year that brings friends and family together. It’s also a time to create new memories and traditions without the influence of alcohol.

Marcel Gemme is the founder of Drug Rehab Services (DRS) and has been helping people struggling with substance use for over 20 years. His work focuses on a threefold approach: education, prevention and rehabilitation.