DADS 4 CHANGE

changing the world one dad at a time

The Drunk on the Shelf: Drinking and Holidays

holidays-drinking

Few things go together like drinking and the holidays. I get it. Whether we are enjoying the company of others, trying to get through it, or missing someone terribly, a glass of something makes everything easier. And who doesn’t love drinking in a jacket?

We celebrate Christmas in my family, even though we aren’t religious; however, we do love some peace on earth. Also, Bing Crosby. Of all the holidays from my childhood, Christmas was always my favorite, and it has proven to be the most fun for my own kids, too. The idea of goodwill and the practice of gathering go great together, getting all warm in the process like cookies fresh from the oven. The spirit of giving and the happiness found in seeing others receive, these are a few of my favorite things. I’m also partial to brown, paper packages wrapped up with string.

When I was a younger man, parties during the holidays usually ended with someone drinking far too much, behaving inappropriately, or maybe getting fired. According to TV, that’s still the case for lots of people. You know who you are.

These days my holiday drinking is limited, relatively, in quantity (though far better in quality), and my actions are far more responsible, like calling a cab rather than riding with someone that shouldn’t be driving. Or not sneaking livestock into the office. Funny enough, that hasn’t reduced the fun at all, but it sure has helped with hangovers. Also, goat bites.

Thank you, #TalkEarly

Over the past year I have been working, on behalf of Dads 4 Change, as an ambassador for #TalkEarly, reaching out to our audience of parents about underage drinking and all that goes with it. Well, the year is winding down, and I wanted to take this opportunity to thank the incredible people running the campaign for the good they do. They’re putting something positive into the world, regardless of the season, and I am proud to be associated with their message. In fact, it has helped me personally, and that is the gift that they are giving, which is nice.

If you would like to learn more, please visit the #TalkEarly website for information on building a lifetime of conversations with kids around alcohol responsibility. You’ll be glad you did.

The Ghost of Christmas Present

Hello, and welcome to now. It is December 14 (Happy Hanukkah!), and in my home the tree is up, our Star Wars tickets bought, and we are feeling the magic of the season despite the world giving us every reason not to. I can only hope that you are feeling something akin to happiness, too, whether in the company of loved ones, the traditions of the holidays, or the promise of midterm elections looming on the horizon. We are all doing good, together.

Happy whatever you celebrate, Internet, and cheers.


This post is in partnership with Responsibility.org and the #TalkEarly campaign. Our collective mission is to eliminate drunk driving and speak to kids about underage drinking; also to promote responsible decision-making regarding the consumption of alcohol. It is a good cause, and while I am compensated as a #TalkEarly Ambassador, my opinions remain my own. Obviously.


Please learn more about Responsibility.org and #TalkEarly by connecting on social media:

Whit HoneaWhit Honea is the co-founder of Dads 4 Change and the Social Media Director of Dad 2.0 Summit. Deemed “the activist dad” by UpWorthy (and one of the “funniest dads on Twitter” by Mashable), he is a regular contributor to The Modern Dads Podcast and author of The Parents’ Phrase Book—a family guide to empathy. Whit has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize and is the 2015 winner of the Iris Award for Best Writing.

 

Photo by erin walker on Unsplash
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