Ep. 97 Sober Thanksgiving Survival
Nov 18, 2025
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How to Thrive Through Your First (or Fifth!) Sober Thanksgiving: Tips, Stories & Mindset Shifts
If you’re navigating Thanksgiving without alcohol—whether it’s your first year or your fifth—you’re not alone. Here’s how to make your holiday more joyful, meaningful, and truly memorable.
Embracing a Sober Thanksgiving: Why It Matters
For many, Thanksgiving conjures up images not just of roast turkey and pumpkin pie, but also of flowing wine and festive cocktails. Yet, for those on a sober journey, the holiday season can also bring waves of anxiety and stress. Coach Susan and Coach Ruby understand this all too well from their own experiences and from their work with countless clients. Fortunately, with the right preparation and mindset, Thanksgiving sans alcohol can be more fulfilling than ever.
A Tale of Two Firsts: Personal Stories of Navigating Sober Holidays
Both Coaches shared deeply personal stories about their first alcohol-free Thanksgivings—stories that resonate with anyone feeling the pressure of hosting or attending in a drinking-centric family.
Coach Ruby spoke about her tradition of hosting Thanksgiving, which for many years was saturated with alcohol from mimosas to whiskey late into the evening. The shift to sobriety led her to ask her mother to host, allowing her to set boundaries she needed, such as not having alcohol in her home. She brought supportive alternatives—sparkling water, lime, and non-alcoholic wine—proving that preparation is key.
Coach Susan reflected on multiple “firsts,” including one Thanksgiving spent in AA and another during the scaled-back holidays of 2020. Each experience highlighted a core truth: the hard work of an alcohol-free holiday pays off, especially as each sober event builds confidence for the next.
Must-Have Strategies for a Sober Thanksgiving
- Plan Your Drinks & Your Story
Don’t leave your beverage situation to chance. Both coaches recommend bringing your own favorite non-alcoholic options—like sparkling water, mocktails, or NA wines. Be prepared with a simple explanation if anyone asks why you’re not drinking. As Coach Ruby suggests, keep it light and redirect: “I’m just thirsty,” or “I’m focusing on health.” Overexplaining can create more pressure than necessary.
- Visualize Your Ideal Holiday
Visualization is a powerful tool. Coach Ruby recommends taking time to picture, in detail, what you want Thanksgiving to look and feel like: who will you be with? What will you wear? How will you respond if things get tough? This practice helps your brain “rehearse” success and builds your confidence for the actual event.
- Mindset: Focus on What’s Gained, Not Lost
Instead of dwelling on what you’re giving up, Coach Susan encourages shifting your mindset to what you’ll truly gain from the experience: real connection, delicious food, and memories you actually remember. Alcohol often numbs enjoyment; sobriety amplifies it.
- Set Boundaries: Arrive Early, Leave Early
If parties get overwhelming as the night (and the drinking) wear on, make an early exit part of your plan. Alternatively, if you’re hosting, take breaks—go for a walk, step outside, or recruit a family member to recharge with you for a moment.
Delicious Alternatives and New Traditions
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to introduce festive non-alcoholic drinks. From sparkling NA wines to creative mocktails—like a persimmon and pomegranate mocktail or apple cider spritz—you can lead by example and even inspire others. These drinks aren’t just for sober folks; they add a fresh, inclusive touch to any gathering.
Food can also be a source of joy and creativity, as Coach Ruby highlights with a simple, vibrant persimmon and pomegranate salad—an example of how small traditions can bring freshness to a heavy holiday meal.
The Power of Community
Remember, you’re not alone. Coach Ruby strongly recommend seeking community support, whether online (like their Sober and Lit community), through friends, or with other sober allies at your gathering. Sharing your intentions and celebrations helps normalize and cheer on your milestones—however big or small.
Final Thoughts: Moving Forward with Gratitude
Whether this is your first sober Thanksgiving or your sixth, embrace the spirit of gratitude and self-compassion. Give yourself permission to try new things, set boundaries, and create joyful, authentic memories. As Coach Ruby puts it, “You’re not alone. Each year, it gets easier and more rewarding.”
You can—and deserve—to have the kind of holiday that truly lights you up.
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Ruby Williams at Freedom Renegade Coaching https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/
Follow Coach Ruby: @rubywilliamscoaching
Email: [email protected]
Grab your copy of our FREE WineFree Weekend Guide to help you on your alcohol free journey. https://www.freedomrenegadecoaching.com/WineFreeWeekend
