Staying Smoke-Free This Christmas: Tips For The Festive Season
- Ann-Marie Johansen
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
The weeks leading into Christmas and the New Year Year can be a beautiful whirlwind — parties, BBQs, celebrations, late nights, and sometimes… a few extra drinks.
For some it can also be very lonely, upsetting, stressful and/or isolating period.
If you’ve recently quit smoking or vaping, this time of year can also feel like a test of your new habits.
The great news? With a little awareness and a few practical strategies, you can stay confidently on track and keep enjoying the freedom you’ve worked so hard to create.
Here are our Stop Smoking Hypnotherapist, Ann-Marie's simple, powerful tips to help you stay smoke-free right through the festive season.
1. Know Your Triggers — Especially With Alcohol
Alcohol lowers inhibitions and can nudge old habits to the surface.Before you head out, remind yourself:
“I don’t smoke or vape anymore.”
“I like waking up clear-headed.”
“One cigarette is never just one.”
"I am a non-smoker"
I'm serious, say it to yourself as you are getting ready or looking in the morror, your mind likes direct clear instructions.
If you’re drinking, pace yourself. Swap in a water, soda, or mocktail every now and then.
Your brain — and your next morning — will thank you.
2. Have a Festive Drink That Isn’t a Cigarette/VapeTrigger
For some people, beer or wine used to equal cigarettes/vaping.
Choose something new that doesn’t remind your brain of smoking.
Try:
A fancy mocktail
Sparkling water with fresh lime
Kombucha in a wine glass
A non-alcoholic spritz
Your mind loves new routines — give it something fresh to pair with celebration.
3. Change Your “Break Habit”
Many people miss the ritual of stepping outside.
You can keep the break — just change what you do in it:
Step outside with a friend for a chat without smoking
Take a few deep breaths of fresh air
Walk to get some water
Scroll your messages for a minute
The routine stays. The cigarette/vape doesn’t.
4. Keep Your Hands Busy
For some, Idle hands can trigger old patterns. If you’re at a party:
Hold a drink
Hold a small fan
Fiddle with a ring or hair tie
Keep your phone in your hand
Pick up a plate of snacks
Carry your clutch or wallet
Your brain still gets the feeling of “doing something,” which helps reduce cravings.
5. Have a Plan for Stress Moments
Christmas can also bring family stress, busy-ness, or overwhelm. It can also bring loneliness for some. If you feel tension rising, try:
A quick slow breath in, long breath out
Stepping outside for a moment of quiet
Grounding yourself — feet on floor, shoulders relaxed
The phrase:“This moment will pass. Smoking won’t fix it.”
Calm comes from you, not from cigarettes/vapes.
6. Remind Yourself Why You Quit
Write down your top three reasons — perhaps health, money, breath, confidence, family, kids, travel, freedom.Keep them in your phone. Revisit them often.
Every time you say no thanks, you’re choosing your future.
7. Celebrate the Wins — Even the Small Ones
Christmas is full of little victories for someone who has recently quit:
Saying no when offered a cigarette/vape
Walking away from a smoking crowd
Going home without smelling like smoke
Enjoying a drink without vaping/smoking
Waking up clear, proud, and in control
Hanging with people that do smoke or vape and not feeling tempted
These small wins add up to a life that feels lighter.
8. If a Craving Hits — Don’t Panic
Cravings are normal. They are also temporary.Most last less than 90 seconds.
Tell yourself:
“I can get through 90 seconds.”
“This is just a memory, not a need.”
“I don’t smoke anymore.”
The feeling will pass — every time.
9. Protect Your First Christmas Smoke-Free
A slip doesn’t mean failure — but it can open the door back to old habits fast.
Treat this Christmas like a milestone to protect.
10. Reach Out If You Need Support
The Brisbane Stop Smoking Clinic is open throughout December and only closed on the Public Holidays.
Final Thought
This Christmas, give yourself the gift you truly deserve:Your health. Your breath. Your freedom.You’ve already done the hardest part — now you’re just reinforcing your new life.
You should feel incredibly proud of yourself.You’ve chosen change. You’re staying strong. And you’re proving to yourself that you can.
Comments