By Molly Quinn

Ireland, being known and celebrated for its pub culture is used to a large number of social events being surrounded around drinking alcohol. However, as Christmas time comes upon us, what might be a usual one weekend evening in the pub typically becomes two or three.  

Between Christmas parties, family gatherings, twelve pubs amongst every friend group you’ve ever been a part of – the pressure to partake in drinking alcohol is certainly intensified, this time of year.  

While Christmas is a well-known time of indulgence, for those trying to steer clear of the negative effects of alcohol – December can be a nightmare. 

In recent years in Ireland, people are becoming more aware of how alcohol affects their mental, physical and financial state. Alcohol is a depressant which most people are well aware of, but the feel good feeling you get after those first two drinks makes it easy to forget how a couple more will likely make you feel – tired, sick, and often leaving you with a day of fear and lethargy the next day.  

In a generation that is much more educated about mental health and how to take care of their wellbeing, there has been a rise in people going sober or limiting their alcohol intake. While making that decision can feel easy while you are tucked away at home, as soon as the social gatherings begin, it is easy to get persuaded into drinking.  

In Ireland, it is expected that when you tell somebody you are off the drink, you are bound to be hit with questions as to why, or the classic “ah just have the one, loosen up a bit.” While this is more than likely an innocent joke, it can make Christmas an uncomfortable and anxiety provoking time.  

The decision to not drink alcohol can be a really difficult one for some people who may have a complex relationship with alcohol, so being questioned about your choice can make it even more of a challenge.  

It has also become normal that if someone declines a drink or is on the zeros, they are assumed to be either pregnant, or a recovering alcoholic. In a country where alcohol is so engrained in our culture, some people just can’t fathom the idea of being sober, for no reason other than simply not wanting to drink. 

Many people fear that if they tell people they do not want to drink, that they will be excluded from social activities, as some people, out of insecurity, are uncomfortable if they are drunk around sober people. It is difficult to manage, as you still want to enjoy the pub and enjoy the festivities – without being swayed into drinking alcohol that you really don’t want to drink. 

The recent introduction of more and more alcohol-free options of popular Irish alcoholic drinks, such as Guinness Zero, Heineken Zero, alcohol free wines and even spirits, have been a great sober alternative for those who still want to have a Christmas cheers, without the hangover the next day.  

The conversation about the effects of alcohol is more welcomed and people are slowly becoming more comfortable with the thought of limiting their alcohol or occasionally opting for a non-alcoholic option and still socialising.