Hi Reader
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As we move into the heart of the festive season, I want to talk about alcohol — not from a place of judgement, but from a place of support. This is not a lecture (it’s honestly the last thing I’d ever want to do). You are an adult, perfectly capable of making choices that feel right for you, your body and your life. My aim here is simply to give you a few tools that help you enjoy the season while still feeling your best.
It’s worth acknowledging the two sides of the conversation. On one hand, the World Health Organization has stated that there’s no completely “safe” level of alcohol consumption — alcohol does carry risks, even in small amounts. On the other hand, in several of the famous Blue Zones — the places where people commonly live past 100 — many residents do drink alcohol regularly, often in the form of wine enjoyed with food, friends and community. It’s yet another reminder that context, lifestyle, and balance seem to matter just as much as the alcohol itself.
So rather than thinking in terms of “good” or “bad,” it may help to think about balance and impact. If you choose to drink this Christmas (and many of us will), here are some ways to soften the effects so you can still feel energised, steady, and well.
How to Enjoy Alcohol Over Christmas — While Looking After Yourself
1. Try “zebra-striping” your drinks​
This is an old favourite from my Christmas newsletter last year, and it’s worth repeating. Alternate one alcoholic drink with one non-alcoholic drink. It keeps you hydrated, naturally slows your pace, and helps prevent that sudden “oh no, I’ve overdone it” moment. Sparkling water, kombucha, alcohol-free wines and beers, or even a herbal tea can work beautifully.
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2. Stop drinking a couple of hours before bed​
Alcohol can make you fall asleep quickly, but it disrupts the quality of your sleep. Stopping earlier gives your body time to process some of the alcohol, helping you sleep more deeply and wake feeling a little more refreshed.
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3. Never drink on an empty stomach​
Food slows the absorption of alcohol and helps stabilise your blood sugar. Before you pour a glass, try to have something nourishing — ideally with some protein and healthy fats. It’s a small choice that makes a big difference.
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4. Skip the sweet or creamy cocktails​
Festive cocktails look gorgeous, but they’re often loaded with sugar, cream, syrups or liqueurs. These can cause blood-sugar spikes, worsen dehydration, and leave you feeling sluggish or queasy the next day. If you’re going to enjoy something, choose something you genuinely like and savour it slowly.
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5. If you choose to drink, do it without guilt​
Guilt rarely leads to better choices — just stress. If you’re going to enjoy a drink, then truly enjoy it. Sip it. Taste it. Be present with the moment, the people, the celebration. A guilt-free drink is far less likely to turn into a cycle of “Oh well, I’ve blown it now” choices.
At the heart of all this is the reminder that Christmas is a season, not a test. You get to decide what balance looks like for you. A little preparation can help you enjoy the celebrations while still feeling grounded, well and energised. And in the next part of this series, we’ll talk about navigating festive food with the same gentle, realistic approach.
Warmly,
Rebecca
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