Six Times You’ll Be Glad You’re Not Drunk This Holiday Season

This holiday season you may have some time off from work, plans with your family and friends, parties and celebrating to do. Enjoy it! But remember, it’s easy to overdo it in the weeks between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Drinking too much gets in the way of making holiday memories – and keeping them too. You’ll be especially glad you aren’t drunk when:

1. You can confidently drive through that “driving under the influence” (DUI) check like a boss. You know a DUI would completely derail your travel plans, holiday spirit and career. So, make sure it’s not even a possibility. Don’t drive to the party if you’re going to be drinking. Use a ridesharing app or have a designated driver if you plan to drink.

2. You keep off those extra pounds. Drinking more than usual can offset the hard work you put into your body. On top of that, you may also be eating more than usual because of the holiday celebrations. Before reaching for another drink, check out these reasons your body will thank you for cutting back on alcohol. 

3. You’ve had a delicious holiday dinner. Drinking too much often leads to nausea and vomiting. Keep your memories of special holiday meals focused on eating it, instead of throwing it up.

4. You have a long day of holiday festivities ahead of you. When PT starts at 0600, followed by a full duty day, holiday shopping and then your buddy’s holiday party, no one has time for a hangover. And when it’s time to sleep, alcohol can leave you restless so you won’t get a good night’s sleep. Be your best self each day, not the tired, grumpy, nauseous version.

5. You’re shopping online for that perfect gift for Mom. Do you really think she wants that light-up snowman sweater? Be smart with your hard-earned money and don’t buy things you’ll regret when you sober up.

6. It’s time to kiss that special someone at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve. Drinking is linked to some mouth and stomach issues that can cause bad breath. That’s a definite no-no for a good smooch.

Make it to all of your holiday plans this season by drinking responsibly, if you choose to drink. Drinking doesn’t make everything better. Here’s seven more things that are better without alcohol.