BRATTLEBORO — It's here: the season of good cheer.
With days and nights filled with holiday-themed office parties, social gatherings, gift exchanges, and celebrations, it's the time of year when friends come to call and glasses of wassail are raised to toast the old and the new.
Holiday parties are a great way to spread the joy of the holiday season, show gratitude, and celebrate accomplishments. But while enjoying the festivities, if alcohol is involved, it's important to be reminded of our responsibilities as both hosts and guests.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), data shows that the time period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day includes some of the most dangerous days for drunk-driving deaths, and the numbers are getting worse in recent years. Even as annual drunk driving deaths have decreased, we have seen an increase in the proportion of drunk driving deaths around the holidays.
In the spirit of giving, I offer you the following tips for having a blast and staying safe as you celebrate your way through the season.
Tips for the host
• Avoid making alcohol the main focus of your party. Entertain guests with music, dancing, games, trivia, food, and lively conversation.
• Keep in mind that one in three adults prefers a non-alcohol beverage. Consider offering a festive punch or sparkling non-alcohol cocktail such as hot mulled cider, peppermint hot chocolate, or a cranberry sparkler. Many adults will choose a non-alcoholic beverage if they're given the choice of something delicious and festive as an alternative. (See sidebar for non-alcoholic beverage recipes.)
• To slow the effects of alcohol, provide guests with nutritious and appealing foods, such as high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods like cheese and meats.
• Stop serving alcoholic beverages at least one hour before the end of the party. Instead, serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts at that time.
• Remember that you can be held legally responsible for underage guests. Control access to alcohol, and keep any alcohol safely away from guests who are not of the legal drinking age.
Tips for the guest
• Remember that you don't need to consume alcohol to have a great time. Ask the host if non-alcoholic beverages will be provided. If not, offer to bring a festive punch alternative.
• Don't be influenced by social pressure to drink. Just because everyone else is drinking doesn't mean you need to.
• Be careful what you combine. Alcohol and medications (prescription and over-the-counter alike) can interact dangerously.
• Don't drink on an empty stomach, and be aware of your beverage consumption. Not all drinks are created equal. For example, a Long Island iced tea might have as many as 3 to 7 shots of alcohol, which can take as long as 2 to 6 hours to metabolize.
• Know your limit, and be a responsible driver. If you've had too much to drink, don't drive. Choosing to drink and drive is not only irresponsible, it's disrespectful. Consider the families and children who will be on the road. Don't take the life of others into your own hands.
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Now that you know how to be a safe guest and host, go on and get your holiday on.
May love and joy come to you and yours this holiday season.