A Sober Guide to the Holidays for Restaurant Workers
The holidays are a wild ride when you work in the restaurant industry. It’s all high-stakes dinner rushes, endless holiday parties, and the constant hustle of keeping things moving. But for many of us, the season also means navigating personal challenges—whether that’s family drama, a history of overconsumption, or the decision to stay sober when the world feels like one giant open bar.
Here’s the deal: whether you’re keeping it sober this season or cracking open a beer after a double shift, the most important thing is staying true to yourself. Let’s talk about how you can make it through the holidays intact—your head clear, your dignity intact, and maybe even your sanity.
Family, Trauma, and Holiday Madness
For a lot of us (me included), the holidays come with baggage. If your family gatherings have a history of overconsumption like mine—whether it’s booze, food, or conflict—it can feel like you’re walking into the same toxic patterns year after year. Add to that the stress of working grueling shifts in a chaotic industry, and it’s no wonder so many people feel overwhelmed.
The Christmas episode of The Bear wasn’t just a dramatic bit for TV—for some of us, that chaos was (or still is) our reality. The yelling, the tension, the clashing personalities all under one roof—it hit uncomfortably close to home. For anyone who grew up in a family where the holidays felt more like a pressure cooker than a celebration, it was a stark reminder that not everyone’s gatherings are picture-perfect. And while it’s messy and painful, it’s also a testament to how deeply complicated family can be, especially during the so-called "most wonderful time of the year."
Here’s the first thing to know: it’s okay to feel all of it. The frustration, the sadness, the anger—it’s valid. But this year, instead of just surviving the season, let’s talk about breaking the cycle.
Start by redefining what the holidays mean to you. They don’t have to be about drowning yourself in drinks just because “that’s what we’ve always done.” They don’t have to be about overextending yourself for people who don’t respect your boundaries. They don’t have to be about reliving the same old family drama.
This season, you get to decide what you show up for—and what you walk away from.
Sobriety Isn’t Weakness, It’s Strength
If you’re choosing sobriety this season, you’re already winning. The restaurant industry is infamous for its post-shift drink culture, especially during the holidays when everyone’s throwing parties and the wine is flowing like Niagara Falls. Saying no in that environment takes guts.
The key is preparation:
Set boundaries: If you’re visiting family or attending a party, decide ahead of time how long you’ll stay and how you’ll handle pressure to drink.
Bring your own drink: Stock up on soda water, sparkling cider, or a non-alcoholic cocktail so you always have something in your hand.
Have an exit plan: Whether it’s driving yourself or arranging a quick way out, make sure you have control over when you leave.
And don’t forget to create new rituals for yourself. If you’re used to having a drink to unwind after a shift, replace that with something healthier but just as rewarding: cooking yourself a simple meal, going for a walk, or blasting your favorite album. Sobriety isn’t about deprivation—it’s about finding better ways to take care of yourself.
Party On, Wayne—But Do It Safely
Let’s be real: not everyone’s going to stay sober, and that’s fine. If you’re someone who enjoys a drink or two (or three) during the holidays, more power to you. Here at Dinner Rush, we’re not about judging anyone’s choices. You do you.
But if you’re drinking, do it responsibly (and be cool about your family and friends who aren’t, deal?):
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate: Drink water between cocktails. You’ll thank yourself the next morning.
Eat something: Whether it’s a snack before the party or a plate of your mom’s famous casserole, don’t drink on an empty stomach.
Know your limits: This isn’t the time to prove anything.
Have a ride home: Never leave transportation to chance. Call a rideshare, plan a designated driver, or crash at a friend’s place.
At the end of the day, the goal is to celebrate without regrets. Raise your glass, toast to your wins, and enjoy the moment—but don’t let the moment take you down.
Navigating Family Gatherings Without Losing Your Mind
Family and the holidays go hand in hand, but let’s be honest: they’re not always a perfect match. Whether your family’s the type to drink too much or argue too loud, showing up sober—or just showing up at all—can feel like a test of endurance.
Here’s how to survive (and thrive):
Set boundaries: Let your family know how long you’ll stay, what behavior you won’t tolerate, and that your sobriety isn’t up for debate.
Take breaks: Step outside for some fresh air or go for a quick walk if things get too heavy.
Protect your energy: Remember, it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to stay at every party or engage in every conversation.
And if things get messy, remind yourself that you’re not responsible for fixing anyone else. You’re there for yourself, not to play referee.
Celebrate Yourself, However You Celebrate
Whether you’re staying sober, drinking responsibly, or skipping the holidays altogether, remember this: you’re allowed to celebrate on your own terms. The holidays aren’t about perfection—they’re about connection. With yourself, with your chosen family, and with the moments that remind you why this crazy life is worth it.
If you’re sober, be proud of the clarity and strength you’re bringing to the season. If you’re drinking, do it safely and have fun. Either way, make sure you’re taking care of yourself in the ways that matter most.
The holidays in the restaurant industry aren’t for the faint of heart. They’re chaotic, demanding, and often come with a side of emotional weight. But they’re also an opportunity to choose what matters most to you.
So whether you’re raising a glass of soda water or bourbon, showing up at the family dinner or skipping it entirely, remember this: you’re part of a community that gets it. We’re here to support you, sober or not.
Got stories, tips, or just need to vent? Hit us up on Instagram @shopdinnerrush or join the Dinner Rush Discord. Let’s get through this season together—one shift, one drink (or mocktail), and one deep breath at a time.
