For many people, possibly yourself in the past, celebrating New Year’s Eve means a night of drinking too much or partying with friends. As the holiday approaches, you may be wondering how to celebrate New Year’s Eve now that you are sober. We offer below six fun ways to bring in the New Year, have fun, and safeguard your sobriety.
Host Your Own Party for a Sober New Year’s Eve
Hosting your own New Year’s Eve party is the best way to keep it alcohol-free. When you invite your friends and family, make it clear that they are not to bring their own drinks. Those who support your recovery will understand your choice. For food, you can serve a delicious home-cooked meal, have everyone bring a dish to share, serve a variety of appetizers and finger foods, or order in some favorites. Have an assortment of beverages available along with some delicious holiday mocktails for everyone to enjoy.
Here are several other party ideas:
- A party game night such as a Murder Mystery Night
- A themed party, such as Roaring Twenties, Hawaiian Luau, or Masquerade Ball
- A disco party
- A Mexican fiesta
- A pajama party
Plan a Game Night for a Sober New Year’s Eve
Invite a small group of friends over to spend a night filled with board games, charades, or other fun adult party games. Break out your favorite games or have everyone bring their favorites. Take turns playing all games. Serve simple snacks with mocktails or other non-alcoholic beverages. Staying home, playing games, and sharing a good time with people you enjoy is a great way to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Apples to Apples, Cards Against Humanity, and Monopoly are a few well-known popular games. Or, try a new game such as That’s What She Said, Puns Of Anarchy, Smart Ass, or Unstable Unicorns.
Take a Road Trip
Whether you go alone or travel with loved ones, take a fun road trip. Make your destination someplace you have never visited before or visit one of your favorite places. Enjoy the sights along the way. Feast on the local cuisine. Stay in a tent or a luxury hotel. Do whatever makes you feel good. When you return home you will feel happier, refreshed, and relaxed.
Plan an In-Home Spa Night
A great way to ring in the new year is having an in-home spa night. Whether you just pamper yourself or invite a few friends to share the experience, you will begin the year refreshed and happy. Set the mood by lighting beautifully scented candles that are calming and give off a gentle light. Place plants or fresh flowers around the room. Play relaxing music in the background. Set up dedicated stations for each of the spa treatments. The stations could include:
- Mani-pedi station
- Facial mask or face care station
- Foot-soaking station
- Neck, shoulder, and back massage area
- Quiet meditation space
Serve light snacks such as yogurt and fresh fruit bowls, deviled eggs, hummus and veggie cups, and avocado toast. Have coffee, hot chocolate, tea, juice, and plenty of infused water for your guests.
Attend an Event Held by AA or NA
Many Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups hold a New Year’s Eve party. Sometimes multiple groups get together to sponsor the event. They typically have food and beverages to enjoy with friends while music plays for dancing. Some areas host Alco-thon and Narco-thon events. These events usually run for 12 to 24 hours and provide a safe place for members to spend the holiday while avoiding temptation. They generally consist of meetings and discussions on many topics. They end with a New Year’s Eve dinner or party for everyone to enjoy.
Do Something Different to Celebrate the New Year’s Eve Sober
Think about something you have been wanting to do. And do it. Maybe there is a new restaurant you have been wanting to try. Plan a special dinner with someone you care about who supports you in recovery. Visit a local comedy club or go to an amusement park with a few sober friends. And enjoy an evening of fun and laughter. Take in a movie, go bowling, or run in a midnight race. These races begin as the clock strikes twelve and are in many areas of the country.
Think about the things you had fun doing to celebrate the holidays as a child or young adult. Gather some friends or family members. And make new happy memories based on your memories from the past. Go and see holiday light displays, bake cookies, build gingerbread houses, gaze at the stars, or go ice skating. End your night together with a delicious dessert and hot chocolate.
Help Is Available
If you or a loved one struggles with a drug or alcohol addiction, help is available. Call and speak to a professional at Anabranch Recovery Center, located in Terre Haute, Indiana. The caring and supportive staff will answer your questions and help you begin your journey on the path to recovery.
About the Author: 
Terry Hurley is a retired educational professional and freelance writer with more than fifty years of experience. A former reading specialist and learning center director, Terry loved her years working with children in the educational field. She has written extensively for print and online publications specializing in education and health issues. For the last six years, her writing focus has been on addiction and mental health issues.
