Christmas Health & Wellness

Drink Responsibly During the Holidays — Get Home Safe

The holidays carry a lot.

Joy. Memories. Empty chairs. Loud laughter. Quiet grief.

And for many people, alcohol becomes the coping tool that turns the volume down — until it doesn’t.

This isn’t about shame.

It’s about awareness.

During the holidays, people often drink more than usual for a variety of reasons:

stress

loneliness

social pressure

celebration overload

grief hiding behind a smile

And while one drink can turn into “just one more,” the consequences can be permanent.

If you’re going to drink, plan first

Real wellness means thinking ahead — not in the moment.

Do not drive impaired. Ever. Pre-arrange a ride before the first drink Designate a sober driver Budget for a rideshare the same way you budget for gifts Know your local safe-ride options

Free & Low-Cost Safe Ride Options (Holiday Season)

Many communities step up during Christmas and New Year’s to keep people alive — not ticketed.

Some examples include:

AAA Tow-to-Go — a free tow and ride home in many regions

SoberRide programs (like WRAP in the DC area using Lyft)

Local nonprofits or coalitions offering sober rides

Law firms that reimburse Uber/Lyft or taxi rides during holidays

📌 Availability varies by city and dates

Search: “free sober ride + your city/state”

Check AAA and local community organizations for current details.

This is about getting home — alive

No party.

No toast.

No tradition

is worth a life.

Getting home safely is self-respect.

Helping someone else get home safely is community care.

This season, wellness looks like planning ahead, choosing life, and looking out for one another.