I guess you should do what works for you. Maybe I'm wrong, but with the answer you are going to give, gives the impression you will be drinking with them again. The truth never hurts though. Are you at that stage where you can say something like "I am trying to slow my role. Im not a party pooper, I'm just gonna have sparkling water. (or juice or whatever ).
Along time ago I couldn't picture myself without a drink, now I can't picture myself with one. Happy Monday.

I would have an easier time admitting that I'm not drinking than to my in-laws. They aren't a group that I "party" with. They are just nosy people that like to draw conclusions. They will make up there own stories about things anyway. They always do. I am just not trying to give them ammunition to make up stories about me. Let someone else be the victim.

I meant to say I would have an easier time admitting that I'm not drinking to my friends. Than to my in laws.

I'm kinda dreading the Holidays just about all of my family and friends are going to be drinking, and I know that is no longer the life I want to live so I decided to keep it short go over early stay for dinner and leave before the real festivities begin. I also agree with abshoefreakshow about saying something that wont have them thinking that its a temporary thing and you will be back to drinking how you used to... but If I'm asked why I'm leaving my response will be so I don't give into temptation as I longer drink due to wanting to live a healthier lifestyle. cheesy yes but who cares what they think :-)

I've already admitted to family and friends that I quit drinking because I can't have just one and want to live a healthier lifestyle. I dont want them in my life if they decide to judge me or disconnect. Screw what other people think! Honesty is always best. Only God can judge. Hope that didn't come across as harsh. :)

My whole family knows I used to be a horrible alcoholic because I used to get wasted at holiday gatherings so I imagine at our upcoming holiday gatherings that will be very happy to se me sipping on a tonic water.

I agree as the holiday season approaches ( and believe me it is almost upon us) I too am feeling the pressure of all of this upcoming drinking occasions. They are always a strain.

I straight-up said to my boyfriend's cousin when we were all out together the other night that I used to have a problem so I had to stop drinking which may have been bold but it's the truth and I try to tell the truth whenever I can. It juts makes it easier for people to understand where I'm coming from.

I understand it can be embarrassing to say shit like that tho, so sometimes it's useful to say, "Oh, I just don't drink for my figure" or "my health" or whatever works for you. From what I have experienced people tend to respect that and won't press, unless they're real assholes.

i think if everyone can tell them self that 'they are 'NOT' missing out on any wonderful time or experience in life by choosing 'NOT' to drink', it will make situations easier.

if I were at a dinner party and there were 20 people drinking soda pop and i was the only one drinking sparkling water, it would NOT phase or bother Me.
The same thing with alcohol, it would not phase or bother Me anymore. It would only be an issue if I made it one.
I would rather use those calories on something else instead of alcohol.

That was part of my disease. The deception, the lies. I found that it was better to just tell the truth. I told my inlaws and it was not easy but it kept me sober and that is the goal right.?

I just say " i dont drink normally'

its the truth...

1is2many

I always tell the truth when asked because I learned early in sobriety

Most of our holiday gathers require travel so I can always use the "I'm driving" excuse although I can also say that I shouldn't be drinking because of my anxiety meds (which is true and most of our friends / family know about my anxiety.) I could even say I'm on "new" meds and that's why I've stopped drinking.

I agree that I don't want everyone asking questions if I just come out and say I've stopped drinking.

Rich

I'm going to stick with "No thank you." If asked, I might add, "I don't drink" or "I decided not to drink anymore." or "It gives me headaches."

I am on a business trip this week. it will be interesting when we all go out. I wonder if anyone will ask me why I don't drink? I'll let you all know...

The above showed up prematurely for some reason.

It's really nobody's business why I choose not to drink alcoholic beverages so I just say no if I am at an event where everyone is drinking, and I am offered.

If anyone begins to annoy me by prying then I just ignore them. IMHO

God Bless!

I always thought that me not drinking would be the elephant in the room. I need not have wasted the time because everyone is basically in their own heads most of the time. No one was paying attention to whether I drank or not.

And today, after 23 yrs, my name is not Axis so I don't make the world go 'round. What a relief! Enjoy the party. NO is a complete sentence.

A lot of good answers here and see they can vary depending on circumstances and comfort level.

I told my daughter that I had quit drinking alcohol about two months after I quite and now she stocks my favorite NA beverages such as iced tea and gatorade when I visit. It's worked out great. I've also told a couple of my close friends and business associates, and they have been very cool about it too. I assume that behind the scenes the word is getting out and that's exactly what I wanted.

By the way, if people can chose to be vegan or vegetarian, why can't we choose to live life free of alcoholic beverages? What's the big deal? (Okay, we have that little addiction thing, but you know what i mean...)

That's all I've got...

Holidays are just another day. I don't attached a special feeling to them. I may have a good time and I migh have an awful time. I don't anticipate a particular outcome.

I think that this was easy from because of the way that I was raised. I never knew if mom would act up on a holiday. She usually did, but there were a few times, when she was clam. So for me, it was like any other day, when I could not predict her mood. What will be will be, like the Christmas, when I got a stocking full of coal. I couldn't figure that one out. I thought that I was a good little 4 year old boy. After that I did not anticipate that Santa Claus would be nice to me.
My wife is Asian. Thanksgiving doesn't mean much to her. Tet is her holiday when family gets together. On thanksgiving I do the cooking and i invite my son over for dinner. My wife's nieces like to join with us. Will I have a good time this year. I do not know. I'll cook and see what happens.