If you’re in recovery, you know that it’s important to have a game plan for handling special occasions in new and healthy ways – without relying on old patterns to get you through. That means staying connected to your recovery program during the holiday season, thinking outside the box, making new traditions, and exploring ways to celebrate that don’t involve drugs and alcohol.
Good news: there’s LOTS of fun sober stuff to do in the greater Portland Metro area during the holidays. We’ve written about some of our favorites in the past, but this year – in 2021 – some of our old standbys are cancelled for the time being in response to the pandemic. However, take heart! There are still many fun options to choose from this year. Read on for what’s been scheduled so far.
Holiday Parties, Bingo Games and Speaker Meetings at 4D in Portland and in Hillsboro
Christmas Day Holiday Speaker Meeting at 4D’s Portland location
4D Recovery Community Center on MLK in Portland will be open from 3pm – 12am and the holiday speaker meeting starts at 8pm on Christmas Day. Plan for an ugly Christmas sweater contest with prizes and take advantage of the free childcare available for kids 18 months and up! Enjoy “fun, food and fellowship” at our favorite recovery club for young people in the area.
Christmas Eve Party at 4D’s Hillsboro location
Check out 4D’s new Hillsboro location while taking in some holiday cheer! Enjoy food and mocktails plus an ugly sweater contest, white elephant gifts, karaoke and holiday movies! The party starts at 6pm, but the center will be open it’s usual hours, from 3pm to 12am.
Masks are required at both parties, and, although the spaces are usually limited to young people in recovery, these holiday parties are all ages, meaning the entire recovery community is invited to both events!
Christmas Bingo at 4D’s Portland location
The game will be held on Saturday, December 11th from 8pm-10pm at 4D’s Portland location on MLK. Prizes will be awarded!
Keep an Eye Out for December Holiday Happenings for the Recovery Community at the Alano Club in Portland
The Alano Club of Portland hasn’t announced their holiday happenings for the month of December yet, but keep an eye on their Facebook Page or their website calendar for updates. They usually have something to celebrate around the holidays. This was certainly true in November, when they hosted a “Friendsgiving Harvest Celebration” with both dine-in and to-go meal options for people in recovery.
Sadly, NARA’s New Year’s Eve Sobriety Pow Wow is Cancelled Again for 2021…
NARA’s New Year’s Eve Sobriety Pow Wow, usually held at the Oregon Convention Center, is a mainstay in the Portland recovery scene, but sadly, it has been cancelled for the last two years in response to the COVID pandemic. NARA says it’s too early to know what next year will hold, but we hope this popular event makes a comeback soon. This is one of the best ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve while sober in the entire Metro area.
…BUT! Sober-Friendly Peacock Lane is Making a Comeback This Year in 2021
If you haven’t heard yet, Peacock Lane is returning this year for more free festive fun! After COVID-related cancellations, this beloved neighborhood institution is making a comeback. There won’t be any free hot chocolate or food, but the lights will be on! There will be no “pedestrian only” nights this year, but police do reserve the right to close the street to cars at any time, depending on the traffic situation. If you’re set on driving through, plan on visiting after Christmas Day but before New Year’s Day to enjoy a congestion-free and frustration-free experience. This might be a good New Year’s Eve option for some in lieu of the Sobriety Pow Wow this year.
Finally, Portland Area Volunteering is Always a Fun, Free Holiday Celebration Option for Folks in Recovery
Volunteering around the holidays is always a great way to give back and enjoy the spirit of the season. If you’re stumped on where to go, Hands On Greater Portland is an easy way to get plugged in to easy, one-off volunteer opportunities. There is a need year-round for volunteers but, of course, the spots around Christmas always fill up fast. A fun opportunity that’s still got spots open? Delivering holiday food boxes with Sunshine Division volunteers on Sat, December 18th. They’ll be reaching 2500 families in need with much needed holiday cheer and they need your help to make it happen!
Need Addiction Treatment Help to Get Sober in Portland This Holiday Season?
If you’re ready to get help, the good news is that the medical community has made tremendous strides in the evidence-based treatment of this disease.
At Shanti Recovery and Wellness, we pair Medication-Assisted Treatment (or MAT) with convenient medical supervision, one-on-one counseling and nutritional support. Our treatment plans are completely personalized to the individual. We have helped many people chart a simple path to regain control of their health and their lives.
If you’re ready to start your journey to recovery, reach out today to get started.