Podcast Summary: Kreatures Of Habit Podcast

Episode: How I Stay Sober During the Most Tempting Season of the Year | Monday Moments
Host: Michael Chernow
Date: December 15, 2025

Episode Overview

In this special "Monday Moments" solo episode, host Michael Chernow offers practical advice, encouragement, and personal anecdotes for staying sober during the holiday season—a period often filled with social drinking and stress. Drawing from over two decades of sobriety, Michael directly addresses the sober community, the sober-curious, and those struggling to maintain sobriety, sharing actionable tips and heartfelt motivation for navigating family gatherings and triggers during this challenging time.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Challenges of Holiday Sobriety

• Social Pressure & Triggers:
  Michael acknowledges that the holidays can be a tough time for anyone abstaining from alcohol due to increased social drinking and potential family stress.
  "Most people are enjoying cocktails and beers and wine and, you know, they're having a good time and that's great for them. For me, I don't drink and I'm not looking to drink because it would be a really, really devastating occurrence at my house if, if all of a sudden I started to, to drink." (00:21)

2. Practical Strategies for Staying Sober

• Have a Sober Drink Always in Hand:
  Michael keeps "a big rocks glass with ice and seltzer water and a little splash of cranberry juice and some lemon or lime wedges" so he doesn't feel left out and has something festive to sip on throughout family gatherings. (02:17)
• Enjoy Non-Alcoholic Alternatives:
  He suggests celebrating with high-quality non-alcoholic beers during special occasions to maintain a sense of festivity without compromising sobriety.
  "There are some absolutely incredible non alcoholic beers available on the market today that I also enjoy having...that also just kind of like gives me this festive feeling that I'm, I'm celebrating with something." (03:00)

3. Dealing with Stress and Triggers

• Take Breaks When Needed:
  Michael stresses the importance of stepping outside or taking a solo walk if the environment becomes stressful, especially if certain family members have overindulged.
  "It's okay to take a break when you're at a family outing...if it's getting a little stressful, it's getting a little stuffy...Just go for a walk, cool your jets, take a breath." (03:54)
• Connect with Sober Support:
  He advises keeping "friends in sobriety on speed dial" and not hesitating to call a sponsor or sober buddy if you're feeling triggered.
  "For people that are in the sober community, specifically in the 12 steps, like keep your friends in sobriety on, on speed dial, just give them a call..." (04:45)
• Remember Self-Care:
  Basic self-care—like staying hydrated and not overeating—can help maintain emotional and physical well-being during holiday gatherings. (05:30)

4. The Gift and Gratitude of Sobriety

• Being Present with Family:
  Michael shares that sobriety has allowed him to be fully present at family events for over 21 years, emphasizing the joy and gratitude that come from remembering and truly experiencing holidays.
  "Being sober is a gift. It's a real gift. Being present at all of my family holidays for the last 21 years is a gift. I wouldn't trade it for anything." (06:15)
• Reflecting on Change:
  Michael contrasts his current experience with those before sobriety, highlighting the pride and relief he feels in his transformation.
  "Before I got sober, you know, it was like, oh, here comes the Chernow's. Because they knew, you know, I was going to get into some, and it's just not that way anymore. And, gosh, am I grateful for that." (07:10)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "Being sober is a gift. It's a real gift. Being present at all of my family holidays for the last 21 years is a gift. I wouldn't trade it for anything."
  — Michael Chernow (06:15)
• "It's okay to take a break...Go for a little walk, cool your jets, take a breath. That has always been something that I felt to be very helpful around the holidays."
  — Michael Chernow (03:54)
• "There are some absolutely incredible non alcoholic beers available on the market today that I also enjoy having...it gives me this festive feeling that I'm, I'm celebrating with something."
  — Michael Chernow (03:00)
• "Keep your friends in sobriety on speed dial. Just give them a call. It's not worth allowing...some family drama, some family stress drive you to want to throw it all away."
  — Michael Chernow (04:45)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:21 — The reality of being sober during the holidays and acknowledging the challenge
• 02:17 — Michael's go-to festive sober drink
• 03:00 — Using non-alcoholic beer for a festive feeling
• 03:54 — The importance of taking breaks and stepping outside
• 04:45 — Leaning on sober friends and support networks
• 05:30 — Reminder about self-care (hydration, avoiding overeating)
• 06:15 — The joy and gratitude of sober family holidays
• 07:10 — How life changed after sobriety

Closing Thoughts

Michael delivers a compassionate and practical episode for anyone navigating sobriety during the holidays. His main message: plan ahead, use your tools, rely on your community, and embrace the gift of presence that sobriety brings. He ends by encouraging listeners to share the episode with anyone who could benefit and wishes everyone a wonderful holiday season.

For anyone seeking encouragement or tactical guidance on maintaining sobriety during the holiday season, this episode is a warm, insightful, and empowering listen with actionable steps and heartfelt wisdom from someone twenty-one years sober.