New Years Ideas

[Serielda]

Ok the hubby wants to go out New Years eve, however I'm still shying away from going out to chill with friends due to lifestyle changes I had to make. Since October I was told to avoid alcohol due to post gallbladder issues and I'm used to having 2-3 drinks on new yrs. I don't want to stick out like a sore thumb, and find drinking mocktails silly and embarrassing. I know this sounds silly and whiney but it is what I feel like silly and dumb. So how does others deal with social events where you feel out of place due to changes. I really want to put all this noise out of my head once and for all so I can make peace with it and move on and work on side projects I need to tackle. New Years for us both in th the past was always a big deal due to how fun and crazy things got and had a great time, cept the one year this crazy creepy chick came to where our friends held their party (shivers remembering that ). The way I feel is there is zero to do this yr, but we both want to do something.

[SMRI]

I think the "silly and embarrassing" is something that you are projecting.  If people ask, just tell them because of your recent surgery, you can't have alcohol and then move on.  If your "friends" make you feel like you are sticking out because you are not drinking, then they really are not your friends, besides, who would even know if you are having a "mocktail" vs one with alcohol?

 

I can guarantee that if someone asks you if you want some wine or champagne on New Years and you tell them that you can't have alcohol because of your surgery they are going to say "oh" and drop it.

[Renaye]

I have a hard time with parties but we are going to a family party this year. I am bringing some games, a snack that is gluten free and my blender for non-alcoholic drinks although not sure what I am going to make. There will be children there so the blender will probably be a "hit". I don't drink due to having pancreatitis this august.  I don't drink anyway but I sure don't want to go back to the hospital for that again. 

[LauraTX]

Are you guys driving home?  Say you are DD and then the conversation is over.  Anyone who tries to serve alcohol to a DD (desginated driver) needs a kick in the shin.

[nvsmom]

I agree.  Drink whatever you want. I rarely drink, it just doesn't appeal, so I tend to drink juices or pop. I don't think anyone has ever pushed a drink on me except for my uncle who was an alcoholic - he didn't like to drink alone.

 

We are early birds around here, especially my kids who don't do well after 10:00pm.  We're inviting friends over to celebrate Newfie New Year's Eve - Newfoundland's time zone will ring in the new year at 8:30 mountain time.  LOL  We're heading over to the park to set off fireworks in the snow; hopefully it won't be too cold.  For snacks I am making a nacho beef platter, meatballs, veggie plate, fruit platter, some cheeses, meats and crackers, and some sweets. It's all good and all gluten-free.  

 

Have fun!  

[chocominties]

You can just be vague.  "No thanks--I have health issues and can't have alcohol."  It's hard to argue with it.  Most people, if not fall-down drunk, will be very understanding.  I've also used medication as an excuse, even though I haven't been on any meds with an alcohol interaction in a while.  It's a good lie (if it's a lie) because no one will call you on it.  Those two were especially good when I was in Japan and drinking was basically required.  

 

I've also told people that I just don't like drinking, or that alcohol makes me unusually tired so I avoid it.  Both are true.  (A few ounces of wine affects me like a sleeping pill that almost works but not quite.)

 

And of course, as someone else suggested, just say you're the designated driver.  Someone's gotta be sober.  

[RMJ]

I really dislike standing out from a group. But this year I decided I wasn't going to risk eating anything at an annual soup potluck. My first party doing that and I was worried. I considered not going. It turned out to be no big deal. No one even asked why I wasn't eating.