Holiday Sobriety Survival Guide

The holiday season is upon us, and while it can be a time of joy and celebration, it often presents unique challenges for those navigating sobriety. In this week's episode of Sisters in Sobriety, Sonia and Kathleen are here to help you tackle these hurdles head-on. From grief and estrangement to social pressures, they’re sharing heartfelt insights and actionable strategies to help you find peace and joy in a potentially stressful season.What makes the holidays so difficult for those on a sobriety journey? Is it the abundance of alcohol at every gathering? The intricate family dynamics? Or the emotional weight of grief and estrangement? Sonia and Kathleen dive deep into these questions, exploring everything from setting boundaries and managing triggers to the emotional labor that often falls on one person in a family. This episode is packed with insights and real-life examples to help you feel supported and prepared.Sonia and Kathleen talk about recognizing and managing emotional triggers, practicing gratitude to combat feelings of isolation, and creating new traditions to honor lost loved ones while finding moments of joy. They'll also discuss the importance of self-compassion, realistic expectations, and setting healthy boundaries to protect your peace during this busy time.Personal stories take center stage as Sonia and Kathleen share their experiences with estrangement, grief, and the holiday blues. From Kathleen’s first Christmas after her father’s passing to Sonia’s reflections on navigating family estrangement, these heartfelt anecdotes provide a relatable and comforting perspective for anyone feeling overwhelmed or alone during the holidays.This is Sisters in Sobriety, the support community that helps women change their relationship with alcohol. Check out our Substack for extra tips, tricks, and resources.Time-Stamped Highlights[00:02:00] Sonia shares her love for Christmas and the traditions in Toronto.[00:03:10] Kathleen discusses the pressures and emotional triggers of the season.[00:03:52] Sonia opens up about grief, estrangement, and loneliness during the holidays.[00:05:30] Kathleen reflects on navigating the holidays after losing her father.[00:07:00] Honoring loved ones through traditions and memories.[00:08:48] Tips on avoiding perfectionism and setting realistic expectations.[00:10:12] Sonia explains how journaling and therapy help with estrangement.[00:12:05] Practical advice for setting boundaries during family gatherings.[00:15:00] Comparing estrangement stories to highlight shared struggles.[00:16:28] Kathleen shares her annual photo album tradition for year-end reflection.[00:18:55] How gratitude can transform holiday experiences.[00:20:25] Sonia recounts a tough holiday experience after her divorce.[00:23:30] Strategies for reconnecting or avoiding estranged family members.[00:25:43] Balancing hope and acceptance in family relationships.[00:28:09] Redefining family and creating values-driven holiday traditions.[00:30:10] Coping with holiday triggers and reframing difficult memories.[00:32:00] How to handle grief waves and their unpredictability.[00:34:25] Writing letters as a first step to reconnect with family.[00:37:15] Using humor and realistic expectations to navigate tough situations.[00:40:00] Lessons on navigating sobriety and growth through shared challenges.LinksSisters In Sobriety Substack - find more tips, tricks, resources, and communitySisters In Sobriety EmailSisters In Sobriety InstagramKathleen’s Website Kathleen does not endorse any products mentioned in this podcastKathleen’s Instagram Our Sponsors: * Check out TruDiagnostic and use my code SIS2025 for a great deal: https://www.trudiagnostic.com Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/sisters-in-sobriety/donations Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Om Podcasten

You know that sinking feeling when you wake up with a hangover and think: “I’m never doing this again”? We’ve all been there. But what happens when you follow through? Sonia Kahlon and Kathleen Killen can tell you, because they did it! They went from sisters-in-law, to Sisters in Sobriety. In this podcast, Sonia and Kathleen invite you into their world, as they navigate the ups and downs of sobriety, explore stories of personal growth and share their journey of wellness and recovery. Get ready for some real, honest conversations about sobriety, addiction, and everything in between. Episodes will cover topics such as: reaching emotional sobriety, how to make the decision to get sober, adopting a more mindful lifestyle, socializing without alcohol, and much more. Whether you’re sober-curious, seeking inspiration and self-care through sobriety, or embracing the alcohol-free lifestyle already… Tune in for a weekly dose of vulnerability, mutual support and much needed comic relief. Together, let’s celebrate the transformative power of sisterhood in substance recovery! Kathleen Killen is a registered psychotherapist (qualifying) and certified coach based in Ontario, Canada. Her practice is centered on relational therapy and she specializes in couples and working with individuals who are navigating their personal relationships. Having been through many life transitions herself, Kathleen has made it her mission to help others find the support and communication they need in their closest relationships. To find out more about Kathleen’s work, check out her website. Sonia Kahlon is a recovery coach and former addict. She grappled with high-functioning alcohol use disorder throughout her life, before getting sober in 2016. Over the last five years, she has appeared on successful sobriety platforms, such as the Story Exchange, the Sobriety Diaries podcast and the Sober Curator, to tell her story of empowerment and addiction recovery, discuss health and midlife sobriety, and share how she is thriving without alcohol. Your sobriety success story starts today, with Kathleen and Sonia. Just press play!