Just Another Day? Christmas In Recovery

Hi everyone, I'm Chris, I have recently become the unofficial poet for KEYS and it was while I was trying to write a Christmas poem that I began thinking about the different views people have on Christmas when it comes to recovery. In the non-Christian recovery world, the mindset of Christmas is that “it’s just another day”, “don't make a big thing of it” or “it’s only Christmas”, but in truth, it's so much more than that! It's a celebration of what we, who are Christians, believe. It’s the coming of the Saviour, the one who takes away our guilt and shame, and who loves us unconditionally. It’s the celebration of the one who not only meets us where we are in our broken state but carries us from the wreckage, never leaving us, never giving up.

So, for Christians, even those in recovery, no it's not just another day - it's Christmas and we should celebrate it! Should we who struggle with addiction celebrate by drinking whatever we like, like many people do this time of year? No, we should not!

The best way for us to honour Christ at Christmas is by doing the one thing he saved us for - living the life He has called us to live – and for us, that includes staying clean and sober.

I was thinking about the different excuses for drinking or using over the Christmas period and they all stem (in my opinion) from fear! “Have I got enough?” “How can I deal with people?” “How do I face this alone” “How do I cope with my grief” The list can go on ad infinitum. But there is a cure-all for all of these fears - it's called prayer.

I think of it as a coin - on one side is fear the other is faith. You can't have both. So, when you're fearful, pray, and when the fear comes back......pray again!

So much we see or hear can dictate how our day goes depending on how well it fits the mould of what the media tells us Christmas “should” be. Television soaps, reality shows and dramas – all paint a false picture of Christmas, and we are bombarded with it. The Bible says the eye is the lamp of the body so if your eyesight is healthy, the whole body will be full of light, if something is causing you fear, resentment, loneliness etc then step away from it, turn off the TV and remind yourself you're loved. In those difficult moments, and when difficult feelings arise, there is something else you can cast your eyes over or listen to instead - the Bible! This is the source of light, peace, and hope we can cling to whatever situation we find ourselves in this Christmas.

It's Just Another Day

Christmas is a time of joy, it’s a special time of year
Time to think what it's all about and spread a little cheer
But if you're like me, it’s about starting the party way too soon
The first beer open and causing havoc before the clock strikes noon

So much fear and anxiety about this Christmas day
Will they like their presents, will my guests overstay?
Rather than being present and thinking of its true meaning
I'm searching for oblivion as well as plotting and scheming

Or how will I pass the time if I'm alone and nowhere’s open
How will I make it through the day if I'm feeling lost and broken.  
There's no need to pour yourself a drink on this festive season
But if you are wondering why, I'll tell you all the reason

If you're feeling all alone someone else will be too.
Pick up the phone reach out to others, that's what's best to do. 
You could be saving someone from a sad end to the year
By picking up the phone and helping them work on their fear And don't think they'll not answer or be too busy to take your call
If they're in a bad place you could save them from a fall. 

When you’re feeling isolated there's only one way out
Connection is the answer and that’s without a doubt
But don't fret about the 25th it's just another day
The 25th of December is no different from the 12th of May
In as much as it’s another day you don't need to act out
It's a day we can reflect find peace and have no seeds of doubt

If you’re reading this and it’s not yet Christmas day 
Don't worry about it for now just focus on today
But if stressed and reading this and it is the big day
Pick up the phone, reach out to others
And get on your knees to pray.

Not only do we have prayer and the Bible, but let’s remember that we also have each other. If you’re alone or struggling, reach out to others! There maybe someone you know who’s also alone and feeling the same way. There may be others surrounded by loved ones who are not like them, who don’t understand the struggles they’re having. Your call may give them a way out and all of a sudden, two people who were on the verge of giving up were saved by one call.

Christmas is not just another day, but it’s not what television wants us to believe it is. It is a beautiful time to be alive, if you're surrounded by people or on your own, you will always have Jesus the moment you turn to him. Don't let fear mean you go into 2023 with the same old guilt and shame. Let's go into 2023 with another day of sobriety under our belt because as far as drinking is concerned, it’s the same as any other day, and I hope this poem helps us to remember that. But at its heart, Christmas has far more meaning.

Merry Christmas and a sober New Year to you all. I want to say thanks to KEYS and the 12 steps of recovery for a year of vulnerability, laughter, new discoveries and most importantly 11 or so months of continuous clean time! Here's to a prosperous 2023 celebrating the joys of being free from our addictions and helping each other when we stumble.