The Holidays

At almost every meeting I go to lately the topic is always about families and how that can affect our serenity. Everyone has varying degrees of anxiety about the holidays and seeing the family At the least it throws us out of our routine.

My holiday was an interesting one. As some might know, my family has gone through some challengings times this year. This was the first Christmas without my Grandmother. Last Christmas was the first one without the other one. Anyways, the family is full of crazy alcoholics. A lot of problems that have been around a lifetime for the family. It is very difficult at times to practice the principles of the program. It could be easier to just not show-up.

I choose to go to these events, but this is a personal decision. Like many things in recovery, this decision is very different for each person in recovery. Each has to come to their own decision what is right for them. The opportunities for 12th Step Work is wonderful, but I am glad that I do have a choice.

The good thing that my sponsor points out is that people in AA can be crazy, but at least we don't all go crazy at once. There are times when I am the crazy one, and times when I am the stable one. It is a give and take process, and can equal long term sobriety if we just ask for help when we need it.