6 Ways to Find Joy in Recovery at Christmas

Christmas can be a challenging time for many, and if you’re in recovery from addiction, the holidays can feel especially overwhelming—full of triggers, old habits, and emotional pressure. Mary faced a life-changing moment filled with fear and doubt, yet the angel Gabriel reassured her: “Don’t be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God” (Luke 1:30, NLT). Here are six practical ways to find joy, stay resilient, and experience healing at Christmas.

1. Presence Over Presents
   It’s easy to get caught up in gift-giving, shopping, and holiday busyness. In recovery, practicing mindfulness and being fully present helps you appreciate time with loved ones, savor simple moments, and focus on relationships rather than material things. Listen actively in conversations, notice the joy in small traditions, and celebrate presence over presents.
2. Avoid Holiday Humbug
   The holidays can trigger stress, cravings, and old habits. Plan ahead to protect your peace: set boundaries with family, plan early exits from events and stay connected to supportive friends or mentors. Avoid the “holiday humbug” by keeping your environment recovery-friendly, attending sober gatherings, and focusing on meaningful experiences instead of indulgence.
3. Faith Over Fear
   Daily spiritual practices are essential for maintaining emotional and mental well-being in recovery. Read God’s Word each day—this Christmas, try reading one chapter of Luke each day leading up to Christmas. With 24 chapters in Luke, this allows you to read one chapter a day and finish by Christmas. This will enable you to reflect on hope, faith, and God’s promises as you prepare for the holiday. Begin and end your day in prayer. If you’re unsure what to pray, the Serenity Prayer and the Lord’s Prayer are powerful tools for guidance, peace, and strength; download them here. Leaning on faith will empower you to overcome anxiety, stress, or fear during the holiday season.
4. Unwrap Some Grace
   Recovery often includes forgiving yourself and others. Let go of grudges, past mistakes, and unrealistic expectations. Practice kindness and understanding in your interactions, especially with family and friends during the holidays. Volunteering, helping others, or participating in community outreach can also be a way to extend grace and shift focus from stress to meaningful action. This Christmas, give the gift of grace—to yourself and others.
5. Don’t Stay Home Alone
   Isolation can increase holiday stress and relapse risk. Stay connected with supportive friends, mentors, sponsors, and New Life Recovery Groups. Attend church or community gatherings, set up a buddy system, or invite a friend to a holiday activity like decorating, baking, or watching a Christmas movie together. Building connections keep your recovery strong and your holiday joyful.
6. Reflect Without Regret
   Before the year ends, take time to journal and reflect on your recovery journey. Using tools like the Life Recovery Blank Journal, ask yourself:
   • What went well this year?
   • What could I have done differently?
   • What goals do I want to set for next year?
   • Which healthy habits do I need to start?

Just like Mary, who faced uncertainty but chose to focus on faith over fear, you too can find joy in recovery at Christmas.