No More Ruined Holidays by Chris S.
by slbts — last modified Dec 16, 2009 09:50 AM
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Those of us who have lived through addiction and recovered will enjoy this passage from our staff member who really remembers what it is like to be a slave to addiction during the holidays.
How many times has it been heard, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.” Or, “You better be on your best behavior.” Only to let too much go on and you are arguing with someone in front of relatives, the kids and/or friends. Your argument is probably over something that isn't very important anyway. It's probably even an argument over something you don’t remember the next day (until someone reminds you about it). Maybe there's even a push and shove that goes too far and ends up in the tree or on the dining table. Maybe your struggle spills out on the front yard where the neighbors can see you. Maybe someone is so mad or embarrassed that they leave before the festivities had began. Some are crying in the background and others are taking up sides.
It doesn’t have to be Christmas, Thanksgiving or New Years’ eve. I remember having a Tequila Easter
playing monopoly. Don’t know who won or if we finished the game. But, the phone call the next day let me know I was not in the best behavior mode.
Many people get busted for DUI’s during the holidays. It must make a person feel special when called to come bail someone out of jail on that special occasion.
What about the false promises made that it won’t happen this year. The playing of the victim - that it "wasn’t my fault." And the best move of all: getting too wasted to even show up. Then the excuse of, “I am not hurting anyone but myself.”
It doesn’t have to be Christmas, Thanksgiving or New Years’ eve. I remember having a Tequila Easter
playing monopoly. Don’t know who won or if we finished the game. But, the phone call the next day let me know I was not in the best behavior mode.Many people get busted for DUI’s during the holidays. It must make a person feel special when called to come bail someone out of jail on that special occasion.
What about the false promises made that it won’t happen this year. The playing of the victim - that it "wasn’t my fault." And the best move of all: getting too wasted to even show up. Then the excuse of, “I am not hurting anyone but myself.”
Giving the Best Gift of All
One of the best presents I’ve seen people give others is getting help before the holidays. Giving the family, friends and loved ones the greatest joy of all. Being clean and sober for holidays present and future. Being able to keep a promise that you will be there. Maybe not this year, but next.
Many people get busted for DUI’s during the holidays. It must make a person feel special when called to come bail someone out of jail on that special occasion.
Some of us are too selfish to think of others during certain days of the year. Thinking it might not happen if we are not present. It will still happen whether we are there or not.
The greatest present I’ve been able to give others’ was the giving of myself. Clean and Sober.
The greatest present I’ve been able to give others’ was the giving of myself. Clean and Sober.
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