Welcome to the 30th episode of UnHammered, the podcast where we talk about sobriety, recovery, and the journey to living a life unburdened by addiction. I’m your host, Brantt Myhres, and I’m beyond grateful to have you here as we hit this milestone together. With the holiday season in full swing, today’s episode is all about navigating one of the most challenging times of the year for many in recovery: Christmas. We’ll dive into the triggers and temptations that come with festive gatherings, how to handle the pressure of a full holiday social calendar, and ways to deal with the subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) peer pressure that can rear its head around this time of year. I’ll also share a personal story from my past—a wild Christmas Day involving a family member that still makes me shake my head. It’s a moment that reminds me of how far I’ve come and why staying grounded in recovery is so important, especially during the holidays. And for some added inspiration, I’ll be reading a chapter from the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous that speaks directly to finding strength and serenity in the face of life’s challenges. Whether this is your first sober holiday or you’re years into your recovery, this episode is packed with advice, stories, and insights to help you stay strong and stay connected to your "why." So, grab a coffee or your favorite sober-friendly drink, settle in, and let’s talk about how we can all have an unhammered Christmas. Let’s get started!