How to Navigate the Final Two Weekends Before Christmas Without Letting Alcohol Take Over

Each year, the final two weekends before Christmas come with the same mix of pressure and expectation, especially for leaders.

There are celebrations, corporate events, client drinks, and the subtle message that visibility equals commitment.

If you happen to be introverted, that pressure doubles.

And if you’re also trying to reduce or remove alcohol, it can feel like you’re navigating through December, and it becomes even more loaded, and gets harder by the day.

Let’s be honest: year-end is already demanding. Performance reviews, deadlines, strategic wrap-ups, last-minute firefighting, all while trying to show up at home for your partner and your kids.

When your energy is low and the social calendar is full, alcohol can feel like a tempting shortcut to get through it. But deep down, you know it often makes everything harder: groggy mornings, inconsistent mood, and less capacity for the people who need you most.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between your leadership identity and your alcohol-free intentions. With a bit of planning, you can navigate party season with confidence.

Start by setting pre-event boundaries:

How long will you stay?

What will you drink?

Having clarity before you walk in removes 90% of the pressure.

Next, manage your environment. Arrive early so you can connect one-on-one before the room fills up. Hold a soft drink to avoid the “Why aren’t you drinking?” conversation.

And when you’re done, you’re done!

Most importantly, stay rooted in your “why.”

Maybe you want more presence with your kids in the morning.

Maybe you’re prioritising mental clarity heading into a new year.

Maybe you’re simply tired of feeling like alcohol is the default at every work event.

Remember: great leadership isn’t measured by how late you stay or how much you drink. It’s measured by consistency, clarity, and self-respect.

This season, give yourself permission to protect your energy without compromising who you are.

If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. Let’s talk about what your pathway out of this cycle could look like, clearer mornings, stronger leadership, and a version of you that feels awake, focused, and fully present.