The holidays are approaching at what feels like a record speed, or is it just us? While we love the hustle and bustle and the dopamine dose that the holidays bring, it can be easy to get caught up in all of it. Especially if you’re on a sober-curious or sober journey! Sober curious is a term that means questioning your relationship with alcohol and trying sobriety, even if you’re not ready to commit to it. It’s a movement that’s been gaining momentum and simply pushes back on the idea that more drinking, means more fun. We totally understand that sometimes the stress of the parties, shopping and forced family time can feel easier to handle with a drink in your hand. So we wanted to offer a few helpful tips, and even a few mocktail recipes, to maybe inspire you to try holiday season!

Here are some tricks to getting through the holidays the sober way.

Mocktails will be your best friend. People will tend to leave you alone if you have a drink in your hand, and you'll be less tempted to indulge while you're sipping on something of your own. Stock the family fridge with sparkling grape juice, and have a go-to order when out on the town. Shirley Temple, anybody?

Be realistic. The biggest way to set yourself up for failure is to set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Saying you are never going to drink again will not get you as far as making a plan, say, to only have one glass of wine with dinner twice a week. Start with a small goal, such as not drinking for the month of December.

Have some accountability buddies. Whether you make a promise to your cat you're not going to drink or enlist the help of a friend you can text when you’ve been offered a drink one too many times, having someone to share this journey with will make you more likely to stick to it.

Have a response planned. Especially if you've not been one to turn down a drink in the past, it may seem that it’s easier to oblige than explain yourself. When grandma starts questioning why you aren’t taking the traditional post-meal tequila shot, respond with a short and sweet, “I’m on a 30 day cleanse,” or “I’m taking a break from alcohol,” if a “No, thanks” does not suffice. If an environment becomes too tempting or does not support your goals, remember that it is okay to leave.

Plan sober activities. There are many ways to get into the holiday spirit without cracking a cold one. Invite friends or family to bake cookies, join a book club or get outside where drinking isn't associated with the activity. Remember, it’s hard to hold a drink while ice skating!

Sangria minus the wine (or headache)? Yes please! Try the Virgin Cranberry Basil Sangria.

• 3 cups cranberry juice
• Juice of 1 orange (about 1/2 cup)
• 1 (12-oz.) can seltzer
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• 1/3 cup frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup packed basil leaves

Keep it sweet and try the Candy CaneChristmas Mocktail!

• 1 cup half and half
• 12 oz cream soda
• 2-4 drops peppermint oil or extract
• candy canes
• 4 teaspoons simple syrup

If you love Moscow Mules, you’ll love this season zero-proof take, Rosemary-GingerMule.

• 1 cup water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup rosemary springs, loosely packed
• 1 (7½-oz.) can nonalcoholic ginger beer
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (from 1 lime)
• Garnish: rosemary sprig and fresh lime

Whether it's to save face in front of coworkers or to experience more productive mornings, or maybe you just want to feel better overall, there are many benefits to sipping hot cocoas instead of hot toddies this year. Alcohol is dehydrating, interferes with sleep, and can significantly increase anxiety. And, you’re not the only one who longs to be rid of those nasty headaches, groggy mornings, and perhaps most importantly, wants to say goodbye to hangxiety (so real). Whatever sparked your curiosity, remember your why and don’t be afraid to enjoy yourself, sober! Happy holidays!