A Story of Maintaining Recovery During the Holidays

I am Karen – 39, a wife from Melbourne, Australia

The holidays has always been my favorite time of the year. The lights, the laughter, the warmth of family—it felt magical. But after my husband David’s struggle with gambling addiction, December became a minefield of triggers, temptations, and fears. I quickly realized that maintaining recovery during the holidays wasn’t just about resisting the urge to gamble—it was about creating a safe, supportive environment for him and our family.

Note: This article may contain affiliate links. If you choose to make a purchase through them, HighStakesHealing.com may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These recommendations are carefully selected to support individuals seeking clarity and healing on their recovery journey.

Recognizing the Triggers

David had been in recovery for a year, but the holiday season brought back old anxieties. Financial stress, social gatherings, and the quiet moments alone became potential triggers. Maintaining recovery during the holidays starts with recognizing what could spark relapse. We mapped out high-risk situations and created strategies to navigate them safely. Awareness became our first line of defense.

The Moment It Became Real

One evening in early December, David seemed unusually tense as he sorted through bills. I realized that the excitement and pressure of the season could push him toward old habits. That night, I sat with him and said, “We need a plan for the holidays. I want to help you stay strong.”

That conversation marked a turning point. It was the first of many honest talks that reinforced our commitment to maintaining recovery during the holidays.

1. Open Communication as a Lifeline

Maintaining recovery during the holidays required open, honest communication. Every day, we shared our feelings, anxieties, and cravings. Sometimes the conversations were messy, emotional, and exhausting—but they were essential.

I learned that recovery isn’t about perfection; it’s about honesty. Sharing the truth about struggles strengthens trust and accountability. These daily discussions became a safety net, reminding both of us that we weren’t alone.

2. Setting Boundaries and Creating Rituals

To protect David’s recovery, we implemented boundaries. Gambling apps were removed from his devices, credit cards were limited, and we set financial checks together. At the same time, we created new holiday rituals: decorating the tree together, morning walks, and cooking as a family. These small, meaningful routines became essential for maintaining recovery during the holidays.

3. Building a Support Network

Recovery during the holidays isn’t something you can do alone. David reconnected with his support group, and I leaned on friends who understood our struggles. Maintaining recovery during the holidays meant surrounding ourselves with people who could offer encouragement, accountability, and reassurance.

Even brief conversations with others in similar situations reminded us that we weren’t alone, and that maintaining recovery during the holidays is a shared effort, not a solitary task.

4. Celebrating Small Wins

One of the most important lessons I learned is that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. Each small choice David made to avoid gambling was a victory. Whether it was declining a holiday party that involved betting or choosing a family activity over old habits, every decision reinforced his commitment to maintaining recovery during the holidays.

Celebrating these wins kept us motivated, reminding us that recovery is a series of daily intentional choices rather than a single heroic act.

5. Involving the Children

Maintaining recovery during the holidays meant involving our children, Noah and Lily. We wanted them to understand the value of honesty, trust, and connection. Family activities, open conversations, and sharing our feelings became new ways to teach resilience and support.

Even simple things like decorating the house together or enjoying festive music turned into lessons about commitment and healing. Our children learned that maintaining recovery during the holidays benefits everyone in the family.

6. Managing Emotional Highs and Lows

The holidays amplify emotions. Excitement, stress, and nostalgia can all trigger old habits. We learned to recognize these highs and lows and respond intentionally. Mindfulness, journaling, and reflective conversations kept us grounded.

Maintaining recovery during the holidays isn’t about avoiding feelings—it’s about processing them without giving in to harmful impulses.

7. Creating New Traditions

Old routines can easily resurface, so we created new, positive traditions. Family game nights, volunteering, early morning walks to see Christmas lights—these became meaningful markers of our progress.

Maintaining recovery during the holidays meant redirecting energy from past behaviors into experiences that strengthened family bonds, connection, and trust.

8. Reflection and Gratitude

Each night, we reflected on our day, celebrated successes, and acknowledged challenges. Gratitude became an essential part of maintaining recovery during the holidays. Appreciating small victories, family support, and our shared commitment transformed our approach from surviving to embracing the season.

Today: Healing as a Family

Two years later, David is steadfast in his recovery, and our family is stronger than ever. We still face challenges, but maintaining recovery during the holidays has become part of who we are. Noah and Lily see a father who is present, honest, and connected.

Maintaining recovery during the holidays taught me that healing isn’t just avoiding gambling—it’s about fostering trust, connection, and love. The holiday lights now shine brighter, our meals are warmer, and our home feels safe. The true gift is the family bond we’ve rebuilt together.

Conclusion

From silent tension to shared joy, our journey shows that maintaining recovery during the holidays is possible. It requires awareness, communication, boundaries, meaningful routines, and support from loved ones.

The holidays are no longer a time of fear. They are a season to celebrate resilience, family, and the courage to choose recovery each day. Maintaining recovery during the holidays is not just about surviving—it’s about embracing the season fully, with honesty, presence, and hope.

Resource to unwrap this season

• Tips for Staying Sober During Festive Seasons