Sip & Cheer, But Keep it Clear – Smarter Holiday Drinking

Sip & Cheer, But Keep It Clear

Drink Smart, Celebrate Safely, and Stay Healthy This Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time for celebrations, reunions, and raising a glass with friends and family. From Christmas parties to year-end gatherings, smarter holiday drinking helps you enjoy festive moments without compromising your health, judgement, or safety.

But while a drink or two can be part of the fun, drinking mindfully makes all the difference. Knowing your limits, pacing yourself, and making smart choices can help you enjoy the season without compromising your health or safety.

Here’s how to sip, cheer — and keep it clear.

What Counts as “One Drink”?

Understanding what a standard drink looks like is the first step to drinking responsibly. A standard drink generally refers to:

  • 1 can of beer (330ml)

  • 1 glass of wine (150ml)

  • 1 shot of spirits (40ml)

These servings may look different depending on the glass or setting, so it’s easy to underestimate how much you’re actually drinking — especially at parties.

Know Your Daily Limit

Moderation matters. General guidelines suggest:

  • Up to 2 drinks per day for men

  • Up to 1 drink per day for women

Practising smarter holiday drinking isn’t about avoiding alcohol altogether — it’s about knowing your limits and pacing yourself.

Hydrate, Eat, and Pace Yourself

Alcohol dehydrates the body, which is why hydration is key when drinking.

Simple habits that help:

  • Drink a glass of water between alcoholic drinks

  • Eat before and while drinking — never drink on an empty stomach

  • Choose lighter options, such as spritzers, mocktails, or low-alcohol beer

These small adjustments can slow alcohol absorption and help you feel better the next day.

Drink Responsibly — Listen to Your Body

Your body gives clear signals when it’s time to slow down. Feeling dizzy, flushed, or unusually tired are signs you’ve had enough.

To stay in control:

  • Plan your night ahead and set a limit before you start

  • Avoid drinking games or rounds that push you past your comfort zone

  • Take breaks and don’t feel pressured to keep up with others

Celebration should never come at the expense of your wellbeing.

Always Put Safety First

No matter the occasion, safety should never be optional.

  • Never drink and drive

  • Have a sober buddy who can look out for you

  • Use public transport, ride-sharing services, or taxis to get home safely

One decision can protect not just you, but everyone else on the road.

Your Body Will Thank You

Limiting alcohol intake isn’t just about avoiding a hangover. Over time, drinking in moderation can help lower the risk of:

  • Liver disease

  • High blood pressure

  • Certain cancers

  • Weight gain and poor sleep quality

Making mindful choices today supports better health well beyond the festive season.

Celebrate Smart, Feel Good Longer

This festive season, choosing smarter holiday drinking habits lets you celebrate fully and feel good long after the party ends.

This season, sip, cheer, and keep it clear. PRIME

Author

  • PRIME is a bi-monthly health and lifestyle magazine for those aged 40 and above. Published since 2006 by Spring Publishing, it features inspiring cover stories of celebrities, as well as other health and lifestyle information. Prime has also featured leading celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Mary Buffett, and many others.

    Each issue contains a Special Feature that covers a specific theme or topic, a Cover Story, an Ask the Doctor section (where doctors answer readers’ questions), Nutrition and Well-being segments, and Leisure and Lifestyle content.

    Celebrate your best years with Prime today!

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