holiday fears

[Tink]

So I remember it all too well, this time last year I feared Christmas and New year as I was only a month quit and would be surrounded by family who smoked, I was dreading it!

 

But guess what, it was fine, of course I knew when they went outside what they were doing, but they were courteous enough to do it in shifts so I wasn't on my own, I think last year I was too preoccupied in thinking about not thinking about it

 

But now I look back and think, I spent that extra time with the kids enjoying their toys and setting a good example

 

Of course if this is the first holiday as a nonsmoker you are going to cautious and on your guard but I just want to say don't fear it and enjoy it, fear can make triggers and craves worse x

 

What was your first Christmas as a non smoker like?

[action]

Mine was similar to yours Tracey - I think a lot of autumn quitters will have a similar story! But we are proof that it's not impossible :)

 

Looking forward to spending a second smoke free Christmas with you :)

[Devil Doll]

This is my first Thanksgiving as a non smoker. The holidays are super stressful on me because I am the one who does it all... the planning, the shopping, the cooking.. everything. So far I have been okay there have been a few moments where thoughts would creep in but they were easily dismissed. I am looking forward to not having to go outside every 5 minutes while I am cooking! 

[Kristin]

I am just trying to keep a good mindset about it, but I do have some apprehension.

 

The hardest part for me is going to be having my sister around smoking, and me not going with her. Also, after the big meal everyone goes out and sits on the porch for hours drinking wine and smoking.

 

I am just going to have to suck it up and go be a part of the evening without taking a puff. I don't want to miss out on the laughter and family time, so instead I am going to be a part of the group and try to pay attention to the negative impact of their smoking.

 

I dunno.... Im just trying not to think to much about it at this point. I will muscle my way through one way or another.  

[Sazerac]

This is my first Thanksgiving as a non smoker. The holidays are super stressful on me because I am the one who does it all... the planning, the shopping, the cooking.. everything. So far I have been okay there have been a few moments where thoughts would creep in but they were easily dismissed. I am looking forward to not having to go outside every 5 minutes while I am cooking! 

 

My holidays are rarely spent in a traditional vein so, I didn't have some of the triggers that others have associated with TGiving/XMas.

My big cooking holidays are Mardi Gras and Jazz Festival where Rouxs are stirred, Crabs are boiled, Shrimp are peeled, Oysters shucked, Guests are feted.

But, I tell you,

It is SO nice NOT having the stress of "when can I squeeze in my next smoke and not ruin the feast"

"how do I get these ashes out of the Aioli ?"

"damn !  I just burned my eyebrows off lighting a smoke from the gas burner"

 

The stress of the addiction far outweighs any other stress and now I find I am not stressed about much of anything at all.

Bon Apetite, Y'all.

:)

 

Oh Kristin, hang in there. Be careful drinking...be fierce with your NOPE-ing.   Play with the Children.  They will especially appreciate a Free person who smells good!

and don't forget to Have FUN !

[beacon]

I was just thinking about last Thanksgiving where I was newly quit and at my family's house craving . I remember that one hard thing was not knowing to do during down time. Usually I would go smoke outside. Last year I was awkward so I did help alot with the cleaning up . And I just sat there being uncomfortable. I did not drink alot. Over Chistmas and new years I was on vacation in California and that was a little better although I did cut myself off from the wine drinking and I was cranky.

 

What a huge difference a year makes. I am looking forward now to the holidays.

[SanDar]

My first non-smoking holidays :) 

I don't foresee any problems that I can't remedy with food. Or wine, wine is good.  ^_^

[BAT]

This will be my first Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's as a non smoker. No worries though since I have to work through all three, and also I love being a non smoker and nicotine free  ;)  

[Colleen]

Well, last year was my first Christmas as a non-smoker.  By the time Christmas rolled around, I had been a non smoker nearly seven months.  Out of my immediate family, I was the last one to quit so I had no worries there.  I had also gotten through the drinking without smoking bit.  Now my step-dad, says after dinner, "are you going out for a cigarette?".  Huh?  What?  Where have you been buddy?  I do have to admit though, I did avoid a social situation or two because of smokers around the same time.  No big deal though.  

[Doreensfree]

This will be my second Xmas smoked free....

We will be having the festive dinner with friends....some still smoke....

Last year I watched them standing outside ....freezing and shivering....

This year I will do the same.....just glad I get to stay in the warm....and sneak another drink l.ol...

[bakon]

I fear Santa is just some serial killer and gets me in my sleep leaving no clues behind other than lip prints on glass of milk.

 

Also hate that peppermint patty always pulling the football. Can't even watch it and fear I will turn the channel and see it

 

Or one of those big balloon take out a bunch of people during parade.

 

Don't fear smoking.

[El Bandito]

I'm looking forward to the holidays.

 

I think that it is a good idea to recognise that there will be some triggers. Recognise and anticipate. More triggers to defeat - and therefore to strengthen your quit.

 

Getting through these ones will be great for me - as I know that once we are in the New Year I will be cruising towards a full year quit. :D

[Humbled]

This will be my first Holiday Season as a non-smoker too. I am looking forward to getting the lights, the tree and everything else do faster since I won't be taking smoke breaks. I get to enjoy my kids opening presents etc.. without fail as well. I am excited to my first non-smoking Holiday Season! 

[Still winning]

I am obviously far enough on in my quit toexpect some new triggers but not be afraid of them. 

 

 

I am just trying to keep a good mindset about it, but I do have some apprehension.

 

The hardest part for me is going to be having my sister around smoking, and me not going with her. Also, after the big meal everyone goes out and sits on the porch for hours drinking wine and smoking.

 

I am just going to have to suck it up and go be a part of the evening without taking a puff. I don't want to miss out on the laughter and family time, so instead I am going to be a part of the group and try to pay attention to the negative impact of their smoking.

 

I dunno.... Im just trying not to think to much about it at this point. I will muscle my way through one way or another.  

I wanted to share some advice I was given. If you believe, in your heart that you will make it through, then you absolutely will!! 

 

I was around smokers full time when I first quit. My mum smoked 60 per day and my fella 20 per day, both smoked in the house (kitchen/diner only) but still in the house. When I really struggled I would watch them smoke, like study watch them. They absolutely didn't look blissful and relaxed, I made sure to notice. I would wait for the "catch" and the "cough" that followed. I didn't miss that at all!!  When it got too hard and I was too tempted I would run away to bed!! Bit pissed off truth be told that I was missing out but living to fight another non smoking day! It was absolutely worth it.  

 

The rest is history of course.  My man quit, my mum has a somewhat sketchy quit but 1 or 2 cigs a day on odd days rather then 60 and others around me have quit or are trying. You can lead that too!! Be the inspiration.

 

I always say it but now I really believe this, there is nothing to fear but fear itself.

 

Hugs and strength Kristin. x

[Kristin]

Thank you Marti!

 

I am feeling good about this today!