Spreading Joy, Not Spirits: Creative Gift Ideas for Holiday Celebrations

This holiday season, let’s normalize giving hosts alternative gifts instead of alcohol for holiday celebrations. Sure, giving alcohol to a host at a holiday gathering may be traditional, but who even started that initiative and who says we have to abide by it in 2023? Well, I did my research, and although giving wine is centuries old and dates back to the ancient Middle Ages and Renaissance era, when wine was a rare and valuable commodity. But now we live in modern times, and we live in a time where we are encouraged for being individualistic and unique, so why not change with the times, and start new traditions.

 

 

 

 

Maybe giving more non-traditional gifts for festive occasions isn’t the norm, but let’s challenge ourselves and start a new trend. I encourage you to think of alternatives other than alcohol for your gift giving venture. Let’s start planning now to be responsible throughout the holiday season. Use this time to reflect on your relationship with alcohol and find your “why” with alcohol. Do you associate drinking alcohol with holidays and holiday parties? Do you use alcohol to cope with the stress of the holidays or to manage your time with your in-laws? Reflecting on your relationship with alcohol and why you drink alcohol will help you be more mindful and balanced during the holiday season, and honestly, all year long.

 

 

If your host is a thoughtful and prepared host, they already planned all of their beverage options ahead of time, and have something for everyone, including alcohol for those who choose to drink it. And trust me, a host doesn’t need 20 bottles of wine to store away that will eventually just disappear after time or be re-gifted at another gathering, so this year, think outside the bottle, and get a gift that is useful and will last for years to come.

 

 

Thus, I came up with various gift giving alternatives for you. The list includes Plants and Flowers, Charcuterie Boards and Cheese, Cards and Games, Candles and Soaps, Coffee Table Books, and Holiday Decor!

 

 

 

 

Click this link to shop these ideas!

 

 

So what if you are the host? How can you intentionally cultivate a responsible holiday gathering for your friends, colleagues, or loved ones? Are there people coming to the party that are sober or pregnant and need a non-alcoholic mocktail drink option? Maybe there are individuals who don’t drink alcohol by choice or are the designated driver for the evening? Possibly there are children or teens coming over that don’t drink alcohol yet that need a kid-friendly drink option. Whatever the case is, be prepared and have everyone in mind when hosting a party, especially when it comes to drink options.

 

 

Plus, I want you to reflect what it looks like to be a responsible drinker when you are at holiday parties, especially when kids of any age is present. Even if it’s not your own child, it’s important to be responsible with alcohol, but especially if it’s your own child, what are you role modeling for them when you drink at a holiday party? I am certainly not trying to convince you never to drink or touch alcohol again in your lifetime, I just want to encourage you to think about your intentions and how you want to role model your drinking behavior around your kids.

 

 

I have been so honored to partner with Responsibility.Org  for the last three years. I absolutely love what they stand for and that I can share their mission to help parents cultivate a lifetime of conversations with their kids about alcohol, including the prevention of underage drinking and drunk driving.

 

 

“PARENTS ARE THE NUMBER ONE INFLUENCE ON THEIR KIDS’ DECISIONS TO DRINK—OR NOT TO DRINK—ALCOHOL, AND WHEN CONVERSATIONS ABOUT ALCOHOL BETWEEN CHILDREN AND PARENTS INCREASE, THE UNDERAGE DRINKING RATE DECREASES” – RESPONSIBILITY.ORG

 

 

As a parent, giving your child a voice is such a powerful and beneficial gift you can give them. And the earlier you talk to them, the better, but remember, it’s never to late to open the lines of communication. Responsibility.org has a tremendous amount of resources and conversation starters to help you discuss alcohol with your kids. Responsibility.org has conversation starters on their site here. In fact, their Ask, Listen, Learn program is a completely FREE digital underage drinking prevention program for kids ages 9-13 (grades 4-7) and their parents (and educators) with the goal of reducing underage drinking. The holiday season is a great time to talk to your children about alcohol, especially when there are an abundance of holiday gatherings this time of year. Plus, your kids will likely be home from school for 1-3 weeks, so this is a perfect time to sit down with them and have open conversations, when they are away from the pressures of their peers and regular use of social media. 

 

 

 

 

Here are some ideas on how to host a responsible gathering this holiday season:

 

 

SINGLE SERVING FOOD OPTIONS

 

Make sure to always have food at a holiday gathering, especially if you are also serving alcohol. I’m all about being health conscious during the winter season and prefer setting up single serving food options for my guests for the sake of cleanliness and convenience. This way it’s not buffet or served family style where all of the guests are sticking their hands in the chip bowl or double dipping in the guacamole! Think outside the box for ideas to make each appetizer or snack fit into individualized cups or bowls. For example, you can put pre-cut carrots and celery into a cup with ranch at the bottom for easy dipping and eating. You can put a serving of chips in individually wrapped sandwich bags for guests to easily take on the go. I even made mini charcuterie cups for guests before, where I combine cheese, crackers, and meat like turkey slices or salami and it was a hit! I recommend offering food that can he handheld so there is no need for scooping or utensils! Trust me, it’s a win win for everyone!

 

MAKE A STANDARD POUR

 

I have been to gatherings in the past where there is a self serve drink table and I’ve witnessed guests helping themselves and not gauging how much alcohol is actually going in their glass. This goes for beer, wine, and spirits. I recommend having a jigger on your drink table or asking a friend (or even hiring someone) to be a bartender for the gathering. This way you can ensure your guests are getting a standard pour each and every time! A standard pour means 1.5 ounces of a distilled spirt, 5 ounces of wine, or 12 ounces of beer. Here is some information about the US Dietary Guidelines and the standard pour:

1. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends that adults of legal drinking age can choose not to drink, or to drink in moderation by limiting intake to 2 drinks or less in a day for men or 1 drink or less in a day for women, on days when alcohol is consumed.
2. According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, one standard drink or “drink equivalent” contains 0.6 ounces of ethanol (the pure alcohol that is in ALL beverage alcohol). Whether it is in distilled spirits, wine, or beer, the effects of ethanol on the body are the same.
3. According to the CDC, “it is the amount of alcohol consumed that affects a person most, not the type.” That’s why, when it comes to drinking alcohol: There is no beverage of moderation, only the practice of moderation.

 

PROVIDE A VARIETY OF BEVERAGES 

 

First, make sure everyone drinking alcohol is 21+ – even if your recent high school graduate just wants a single sip. Make sure you provide a variety of beverages in addition to alcohol, such as water, juice, and even a speciality mocktail! You should also consider Low ABV beverages, Zero-Proof cocktails, and ready to drink cocktails. You’ll want to do this for a multitude of reasons, one being to prevent dehydration. Having water and other beverages on hand will help keep your guests hydrated and happy. This is also important so your guests can monitor their alcohol intake and take turns sipping alcohol and water throughout the gathering. This way, your gathering can be family friendly and won’t leave anyone out whether they are under 21 or chose not to drink for their own personal reason.

 

MAKE A KILLER MOCKTAIL

 

Earlier this month we had a virtual holiday party with the entire #TeamResponsibility team and Professional Wine and Spirits Educator, Jessamine McLellan, and we made a delicious Zero-Proof mocktail. It was quick, easy, and fun to make and also refreshing and delicious! Here is the recipe so you can try it at your next holiday gathering!

 

 

 

 

Holiday Zero-Proof Mocktail Mojito

 

Ingredients:

Mint Leaves

1 oz lime juice

1 oz Simple syrup

4 oz Sparkling Apple Cider

Ice

 

Directions:

 

Muddle the mint leaves, lime juice and simple syrup in the bottom of a glass. Add ice and sparkling apple cider. Stir vigorously and serve with a fresh apple slice or dried lime!

 

 

MUSIC IS A MUST 

 

It’s a holiday gathering, so it’s meant to be lively and fun! So pick your favorite holiday songs and create a playlist your guests will love! Want to take it to the next level? Have a designated area that is just for dancing – or even hire a DJ if you really want to step it up a notch! Whatever you decide to do, play music. Music is a way people connect with each other and get into better spirits.

 

 

PARTY GIFTS 

 

I am all about giving gifts at the gatherings I host. It’s not mandatory and no one typically expects anything for attending, it is just my personal way of showing how much I appreciate my family and friends for taking the time to come and spend time with me. I just love giving gifts to others, it must be a love language of mine, but it’s always been a hit and appreciated in the past so I make it a point to give some kind of gift at the end of each gathering. You don’t need to spend a lot of money or be super crafty, just choose something small, even if it’s just offering everyone an inexpensive ornament at a holiday party. Some ideas I’ve done in the past for the kids include balloons, bubbles, or books. For adults, I have also given photo frames, mugs, or candles that I get in bulk on Amazon or a Dollar store. My gifts are always based on the theme of the party so be creative and fun!

 

 

TALK WITH YOUR KIDS

 

Before the gathering, make sure to spend time with your children and let them know about what to expect. Let them be aware of any ground rules you may have and why it is important to be responsible. Kids are watching and listening. Conversations between parents and kids about alcohol make a difference—when conversations go up, underage drinking goes down. Make sure they know which beverages are alcoholic and which ones they are allowed to drink. Also, make sure they learn how to say NO if any of the guests offer them a drink. Make sure they know to only drink out of a cup they filled or know what’s inside and not to leave their cup anywhere for a long period of time and then drink it later. Their cup should stay in their hand at all times or they need to get a new drink if left unattended. Most kids DON’T drink, and over the last 20 years, underage drinking rates have declined 53%.

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBLE DRINKING TIPS

 

Be mindful of your consumption and how often you are consuming a drink per hour

Wait until you are done with your first drink before ordering or making a new one

Drink water between sips and between having a new drink

Eat food while you are consuming an alcoholic beverage

Make sure your guests have a safe ride home by having a designated driver drive you home or call a driver service like Uber or Lyft

If kids are present, make sure drinks containing alcohol are clearly labeled and separated from the options available for them.

 

 

You can follow Responsibility.Org on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more information! #TeamResponsibility