November 22: Getting Ready for Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is close. Are you looking forward to it, or bracing for it?

For some people, Thanksgiving is the best day of the year. For others, it’s one long test. The drive to a relative’s house. The uncle who always brings up politics. The parent who still treats you like a teenager. The cousin who asks why you’re not drinking. And at the center of the table, more often than not, wine, beer and a full bar on the counter.

If you’re in recovery, it’s wise to think about this before you get there.

Paul gives a realistic instruction. If it’s possible, as much as it depends on you, live at peace with all people. Notice the two conditions. If it’s possible. As much as it depends on you. He knows some people won’t make peace easy. He’s not asking you to fix your whole family in one afternoon. He’s asking you to do your part.

So what’s your part? Start with prayer. Before the day comes, pray for each person you’ll see. Especially the hard ones. Ask God to help you be kind, patient and sober. Ask for His peace to go with you.

Then plan. Decide how long you’ll stay. Drive yourself if you can, so you can leave when you need to. Bring your own drinks. Have a sober friend you can text during the day. Decide what you’ll say if someone offers you a drink or asks why you’re not drinking. Know which topics you’ll gently step away from.

And give yourself permission. If a gathering is too risky right now, you can skip it or keep it short. That’s not unloving. Sometimes the most loving thing you can do for your family is stay sober, even if it means leaving early.

If you use the Steps & Scripture app, your sponsor can help you make a holiday plan or talk through a hard moment on the day itself. A phone call to a friend in recovery does the same.

One thing today

Write a short Thanksgiving plan: where you’ll be, how long you’ll stay, what you’ll drink, who you’ll text, and when you’ll leave. Pray over the names of everyone who’ll be there.

A prayer

Lord, as much as it depends on me, help me live at peace this Thanksgiving. Give me patience with my family and strength to stay sober. Go with me, and bring me home grateful. Amen.

Prayer and planning go together in Step Eleven.

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