Holidays can be happy, joyous, fun loving and bonding love for families as many people around the world do. But also, there is much depression and some tragedy all around us in this world of uncertainty. As for myself, I've had many wonderful Thanksgiving's and Christmas's gathered together with my family.
Many of them though were clouded and hindered by my alcoholism.

As a recovering alcoholic, looking back, I've had many a good time and many bad, some very bad. But now, as a result of Alcoholics Anonymous and having a spiritual life again, I can have a life to enjoy one day at a time with a measure of peace, contentment and happiness.

I can now get through and even enjoy the holidays as a result of living a very simple program. There is a one liner floating through the rooms of AA saying:
"It's alright to look back, but don't stare.” I need to remember where I came from in order to stay sober and clean. But I also need to look at another couple of one liners that gives me a daily reprieve. "One day at a time." and "Easy does it.”

I can admit to myself that some holidays are very hard for me. I think about my relatives and friends that are gone now wishing I could have some of them and the good times back. Life goes on though whether I like it or not, there’s nothing I can do about the past or how fast time goes by.

I have struggled through many holidays just doing what was in front of me. I call it going "Left foot, right foot". In fact, my favorite holiday song for many years was "Just Another Day", by Paul Mccartney.

In order for me to achieve sobriety, I've needed to accept that I had to change my life. That doesn't mean that I had to like the thought of change. I just had to accept it. Because of the simple principles of Alcoholics Anonymous, I can live a life that I can enjoy fellowship without the depressing, destructive life that came along with drinking.

I've been sober and clean a long time now, I've learned a new way of life. I can once again enjoy the happy part of the holiday season. I am grateful for my life of sobriety and all that I have and from what I've gathered, that seems to be the answer for all of recovery an "Attitude of gratitude." I've learned many things in AA but this seems to be the most outstanding concept to recovery and happiness.

If you have trouble with this disease of alcoholism and holidays get you down, here's an opportunity to change. Stop, and think about this. Do the holidays really need to be depressing? Is it possible for me to live a different life style?
Can I live a normal life style and be happy after all?

These are questions only you can do anything about. I needed to take responsibility for the results in my life. Positive or negative, diseased or recovery.

There's a section in our book of Alcoholics Anonymous that says:
"If you want what we have and are willing to go to any length to get it, this is what we've done." Well, I heard that, I took a look and inquired. I liked what I saw. That started with a small spark of hope and fortunately, never turned back.
I have made it through the holidays with the simplicity of the principles of Alcoholics Anonymous and my higher power. You can too! Hang in there.
I welcome any questions.

Sincerely,

"Hawkeye", Dan M.
helpnow@e-aa.org