Holiday Tips - Write Love Letters

Visitors to the About.com Alcoholism Forum were asked to share their personal experiences in maintaining sobriety during the holiday season. Their replies provide helpful tips for those who may be struggling to stay clean and sober through the temptations of the holidays.

Richard's Holiday Tip

I hate shopping, especially when I know little about the real wants of the person I'm shopping for. Instead, I write love letters to all those I feel close to - and maybe some I'd like to feel closer to.

These are not passionate, in the normal sense. I tell each person the traits that I value most in them, things they have done that meant a lot to me, ways I value them as a friend.

Often I'll offer to make them something - I make killer sweaters - or do a chore they find onerous, or house-sit, farm-sit, pet-sit, babysit, so that they can enjoy some time with a loved one.

These letters cost little more than the price of a stamp - sometimes I hand deliver them - and a little time. I enjoy writing them, and can tell in a hundred ways that the recipients value them more than anything I could have bought.

-- Richard

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