I remember when the most important part of the holiday season was the drinking. Office parties, house parties, bar parties—all in the name of holiday “cheer”. I remember going to the liquor store to “stock up” and buying bottles of liquor in fancy boxes to give as gifts. I remember the effort I made buying gifts for bartenders—but why not, I spent more time with them than I did my family. What I don’t remember are all the happy times that didn’t happen because of my alcoholism.
The Ghost of Christmas Present
Today, I embrace the holidays as a time of sobriety, of family togetherness, of sharing real friendships, and appreciation of the wonders in my life—a time to rejoice in the gift of recovery.
I find my recovery described on page 8 of the Big Book, “I was to know happiness, peace, and usefulness, in a way of life that is incredibly more wonderful as time passes.”
My holiday wish is for you to rejoice in your recovery.
