The holiday spirit: Tips for drinking in moderation this season

December 18, 2023

In 2022, sales of no- and low-alcohol beverages in 10 countries surpassed US$11 billion, and is expected to grow at 7% a year until 2026, according to IWSR Drinks Market Analysis.

With the holiday season here, many of us will be gathering to celebrate with family and friends. Celebrations often include food and sometimes alcohol.

While enjoying wine, beer and spirits can be a pleasurable part of holiday celebrations, drinking can also have unintended consequences.

In this Story…

Tips for celebrating in moderation

What’s considered a drink?

What is low-risk drinking?

Consider going dry – or drier – in January

If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, help is available

Tips for celebrating in moderation

A grocery store shelf showing a variety of bottles and cans of non-alcoholic beverages — Consumers can choose from an ever-growing selection of low and no-alcohol beverages, as seen here on a grocery store shelf.

If you plan to enjoy alcohol during the holidays, here are some ways you can do so in moderation:

Consider attending some events without drinking alcohol.
If you’re hosting, be sure that people are made to feel comfortable choosing not to drink. Have tasty non-alcoholic beverages, mocktails, water and snacks available.
If you choose to drink, be sure to have lots of water and non-alcoholic beverages between drinks and make sure you’re eating.
Avoid mixing alcohol with cannabis or other drugs, including prescription medication. Mixing substances increases the risk of negative health impacts.
Before having another drink, pause and reflect why you would like one more drink. One less drink can protect against negative short and long-term consequences.
When you do consume alcohol, do so mindfully. Take the time to enjoy and savour your drink.
Always have a designated driver. Make sure that you and others have a safe way home.

The effects of alcohol can last for many hours after you stop drinking—and the health risks are cumulative.

Being mindful of how much you drink has other benefits: you’ll save money, and less alcohol over the holidays means you’ll finish the year healthier and well rested, both physically and mentally.

What’s considered a drink?

Check this list of standard drinks to see how much alcohol you’re drinking:

One drink is considered:

Beer, 5% alcohol: 341 ml (12 oz)
Cider/cooler, 5% alcohol: 341 ml (12 oz)
Wine, 12% alcohol: 142 ml (5 oz)
Distilled alcohol (rye, gin, rum, etc.), 40% alcohol: 43 ml (1.5 oz)

What is low-risk drinking?

In 2023, the Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction released its guidance on alcohol and health.

Drinking less is better infographic

We now know that even a small amount of alcohol can be damaging to health. Science is evolving, and the recommendations about alcohol use need to change. Research shows that no amount or kind of alcohol is good for your health. It doesn’t matter what kind of alcohol it is—wine, beer, cider or spirits.

Drinking alcohol, even a small amount, is damaging to everyone, regardless of age, sex, gender, ethnicity, tolerance for alcohol or lifestyle. That’s why if you drink, it’s better to drink less. Any reduction in alcohol use has benefits—in other words, every drink counts.

Consider going dry – or drier – in January

A new year can offer a fresh start and extra motivation, which is why many people make New Year’s resolutions. This can include not drinking at all, or cutting back starting January 1.

Dry January started as a public health initiative in 2012 from Alcohol Change UK. Here is the organization’s top 5 tips for preparing for a dry month.

If a dry January seems like a big goal, consider a ‘drier’ or ‘damp’ January. The Canadian Alcohol Use Disorder Society offers an Almost-Dry January Challenge. Or, you can use January to get ready for the Canadian Cancer Society’s Dry February Challenge.

If you’re questioning your relationship with alcohol, help is available

Many struggle to reduce how much they drink or stop using alcohol. Not being able to do so on your own isn’t because you lack willpower or strength.

If you experience some or all the following related to alcohol:

Intense cravings
A compulsion to drink
Lack of control
Negative effects on activities and health

You may have a condition called alcohol use disorder (AUD). AUD is a health condition assessed and diagnosed by a health-care professional. The good news is AUD is entirely treatable, and a full recovery is possible for just about everyone.

If you’re struggling with your alcohol use, know you’re not alone, and help is available. Talk to a health-care professional today or call 310-MHSU (6478). There may be free or low-cost treatment options in your community or online including:

Your Guide to Medications for Alcohol Use Treatment: English; Punjabi; Chinese; German
Individual or group counselling
Bed-based treatment services
Outpatient withdrawal management (detox)
Pregnancy support
Cultural and spiritual care

For some people, stopping drinking alcohol without medical support can be life threatening. Call 310-MHSU (6478) if you have any questions or doubts.

If you’re experiencing feelings of hopelessness and thoughts of self-harm, these services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays: