Easter is right around the corner. This is not a holiday that is typically associated with much substance use. At least not in the same way as Halloween, Christmas, or the 4th of July. However, for those in recovery, this can be a difficult day to stay sober. This can be due to many reasons. Holidays carry with them a lot of memories. These memories can cause you to think back on old times and reminisce. They can be particularly difficult for those who are missing a loved one who they would have usually spent the holiday in the past. If you’re not looking forward to Easter this year for various reasons, don’t worry. You can get through this holiday while staying firmly on your path of recovery. There are lots of things you can do to plan for celebrating Easter sober.

Make a Plan for Celebrating Easter Sober

When you’re preparing for celebrating Easter sober this year, it’s important to have a plan. This plan involves what you’ll be doing, where you’ll be going, and who you’ll be spending the holiday with. Having a plan will ensure that you know what to expect and won’t find yourself in a situation that you’ll be uncomfortable with.

If this is your first Easter in recovery, consider how you’ve spent this holiday in the past. Do you typically attend a friend or family gathering where you know alcohol is usually served? If you’re not in a place where you’re comfortable with that, then maybe you should make other plans.

You also want to make a plan for how you are going to stay sober, even in the case of possible temptations that may arise. If you’re going to be traveling to a different city, you may consider checking online to see where local support group meetings are held in case you need to stop by one. It may also be a good idea to attend a meeting before you go or even attend one virtually. This way, your recovery is fresh on your mind throughout the holiday.

Consider who you’re going to call if you find yourself feeling low or in a place where you’re tempted to relapse. Who are you going to call to talk you out of this place? Maybe it’s a sponsor, a therapist, or a trusted friend or family member. It is important to make sure you’re surrounding yourself with support at all times.

Fun Sober Activities for Easter

A big part of Easter is spending time with the people you care about. Maybe these are people who you don’t always get to see very often. Try to stay present and enjoy this quality time. If you’re looking for fun sober activities to enjoy this year, consider the following:

#1. Attend an Easter egg hunt. If you have children, nieces, nephews, or even a friend with children, consider attending an Easter egg hunt with them. Experiencing the joy of the children can really uplift your spirit. Or you can even set up an Easter egg hunt for them at home. Remember, Easter egg hunts don’t have to be just for kids. You can host an adult-themed Easter egg hunt for your friends. Instead of candy, you can stuff the eggs with something adults would care about, like money or gift cards. Or you can stuff the eggs with tickets and say that whoever has the most at the end wins a prize.

#2. Choose the Easter dinner location. Host your own Easter dinner at your house. When you host your own events, you are less prone to surprises. Plus, you make the rules so you can ensure there is no substance use present. If you enjoy cooking, you can prepare the meal yourself. Or you can turn it into a potluck and have everyone bring a different dish to enjoy. If the weather is warm enough, you can hold the gathering outside and enjoy some outdoor games. Celebrating Easter sober can be very fun and enjoyable.

#3. Do an Easter basket swap. An Easter basket swap with friends or family members can also be fun. Growing up, many remember the joy of walking downstairs as a child and seeing an Easter basket filled with candy. Who says this practice is just for kids? Ahead of Easter, you can have everyone in your group pick a name of someone to build a basket for. Then you can exchange them during the holidays. Just ensure that everyone is aware that these are not to include any alcohol or other substances.

Some ideas of things to stuff a basket with could include things like homemade treats or their favorite kind of coffee. It could be something for spring, like flower seeds, garden decor, sunglasses, or a T-shirt. It can be fun to not only give but to receive a surprise in return.

Holidays can be difficult days for some people. It can make them think of old memories or miss those that have since passed. Such days may cause some people to turn to substance misuse. If this is your first Easter, or maybe even your first holiday in recovery, don’t worry. You can get through this and celebrate Easter sober. Just make sure to plan ahead and surround yourself with supportive people. Don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. If you’re currently struggling with substance abuse, our team at The Kimberly Center can help. Call (855) 452-3683 today to learn more about the types of services we provide. We can help you take back your life.