Holidays and special gatherings can bring joy, connection, and excitement — but they can also bring stress, tension, and pressure to “make everything perfect.”

For many, alcohol is a common part of social life — but more and more people are choosing to drink less, or not at all, for personal and wellness reasons. Still, that choice can come with peer pressure: “Why don’t you drink?” … “Come on, just have one!”

If the colder weather and shorter days leave you feeling down, you’re not alone.