*  Keep your expectations realistic, so you don't set yourself up for a downer. Just because you're sober doesn't mean life will suddenly become a bowl of cherries. Other people in your life probably haven't changed, and many of the conflicts and rivalries that customarily crop up at family reunions will more than likely crop up again. Accept that this so, roll with the punches, and rein in the urge to manipulate everything and everyone. It will be enough for you to just take care of and control yourself.

* Limit the amount of time you spend with relatives who make you crazy. If all of the clan is gathering for the holiday, including your brother, who drinks like a school of fish, plan on an overlap of just a day or two while he's there. This not only goes for family members, it also applies to friends who have bad habits that may tempt you.

*  If the holidays mean being away from home and your home AA group, be sure to attend meetings wherever you are. This will give you the booster support shot you'll almost certainly need at this difficult time- the chance to say, "Sure, I love my family, but sometimes they drive me up the wall," or to talk about whatever else it is that almost drives you to drink when you're at home with or without the family.

*  Plan activities other than just sitting around and gabbing--which in many families means sitting around and drinking. Movies, museums, special holiday concerts, skating, long walks, sledding with the kids, snowball fights, participatory or spectator sports, religious services, can all help fill the time pleasantly and limit stress. If the weather keeps you indoors and you want to keep the conversation from getting out of hand, suggest such activities as games (Monopoly, Scrabble, etc.), watching movies, or even singing.

*  If the holidays mean visiting your old hometown, take time to see old friends you enjoy; avoid those you used to drink or drug with.

* Get plenty of rest, watch what you eat, get your usual exercise, and take time for meditation.

* If the holiday celebration includes the use of alcoholic beverages (such as wine at Passover), make sure in advance that there is an adequate supply of a substitute (such as grape juice) for you and anyone else who doesn't want to drink the harder stuff.

*  If you aren't going home for the holidays, plan to celebrate with AA friends. If you haven't been invited, do the inviting yourself. Follow old family traditions or start some of your own.

*  Particularly during winter holidays be sure there is plenty of light in your life. Keep the lights bright at home, try to get out when the sun is shining, light a cheery fire in the fireplace. Winter solstice darkness and drabness can be psychologically (and physiologically) depressing.