4 Wellness-Focused Steps to Host the Holidays With Recovery in Mind

The holiday season is a time for family, connection, and tradition- but it can also bring stress, change, and emotional challenges. When a loved one is in recovery, holiday planning takes a little extra care. With thoughtful preparations, open communication, and a wellness-centered approach, you can create a celebration that supports healing and belonging for everyone.

Why this matters

Recovery does not pause for the holidays. According to experts, the holiday season can bring higher risks for people in recovery– more triggers, disrupted routines, heightened emotions, and increased exposure to substances.

As a family member, your role is not to “fix” recovery. It is to help create an environment where your loved one feels safe, valued, and supported. With mindful planning, you can reduce stress and build traditions rooted in wellness rather than worry.

What to know: Key Considerations

Here are four important things to keep in mind as you plan your holiday gatherings with a loved one in recovery:

1. Acknowledge the emotional landscape

  • Recognize that holidays can bring both joy and stress
  • Understand that emotional triggers often stem from past experiences or expectations
  • Respond with empathy instead of frustration

2. Identify potential triggers and plan around them

3. Respect boundaries and routines

  • Encourage consistency in recovery routines
  • Help minimize destabilizing factors like late nights or heavy drinking by others
  • Support your loved one’s sense of control and stability

4. Communicate openly and inclusively.

Effective support starts with honest, nonjudgmental communication. Questions to Ask:

  • How does your loved one feel about the gathering?
  • What will help them?
  • What might feel unsafe?

Offer choices rather than directives. As the Life Change Center emphasizes, asking permission (“would you like to talk about how you’re feeling?”) shows respect for your loved one’s agency and strengthens their sense of belonging.

5. Prioritize Your Own Wellness

  • Maintain your own boundaries, health, and emotional resilience
  • Model self-care — your grounded presence helps others stay calm
  • Remember: a healthy supporter creates a stronger recovery environment.

A roadmap to help plan: Practical steps to apply the key considerations

Step 1: Pre-event planning

  • Reach out early to discuss the holiday and any anticipated challenges
  • Identify potential triggers and ways to manage them together.
  • Confirm key routines– meetings, check-ins, or exercise– and plan around them
  • Establish a simple “exit plan” or signal if the event becomes overwhelming.

Step 2: Set up the gathering with wellness in mind

  • Consider keeping it sober-friendly. Make the event alcohol-free or offer plenty of fun non-alcoholic options.
  • Provide activities beyond eating or drinking–games, cooking together, walks, or crafts.
  • Create a calm space. Have a quiet area where someone can take a break, unwind, or make a call if needed.
  • Set a Positive tone. Focus on gratitude, connection, and wellness– not indulgence or old triggers

Step 3: During the event

  • Check in with care. A simple “How are you doing?” can go a long way– keep it supportive, not supervisory.

Step 4: After the Gathering

  • Reflect together: Ask questions to help understand what worked
    • What moments felt most meaningful?
    • Was anything uncomfortable or stressful?
    • What could we do differently next time?
    • These insights help make future gatherings even better.
  • Keep the connection going. Encourage loved ones to continue meetings or check-ins
  • Care for yourself, too. Rest, eat well, and keep your boundaries – a healthy you is the best support you can offer.

This holiday season offers an opportunity- a chance not only to gather and celebrate, but to support, connect, and foster wellness together. For additional insight on recovery-conscious celebrations, consider looking at 7 Tips to Navigate the Holidays.

By planning thoughtfully, communicating openly, and keeping the focus on connection rather than perfection, families can create gatherings that align with recovery rather than threaten it.

Remember: the most meaningful gift you can offer your loved one in recovery is not just a seat at the table- it’s a seat at a table where they feel respected, safe, and valued. When you show up with empathy, presence, and intentionality, you can help build a holiday memory and a foundation for their continued healing.