{"id":67089,"date":"2023-12-11T16:50:01","date_gmt":"2023-12-11T16:50:01","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/?p=67089"},"modified":"2023-12-11T16:50:03","modified_gmt":"2023-12-11T16:50:03","slug":"drinking-alcohol-isnt-the-only-way-to-have-fun-at-christmas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2023\/12\/11\/drinking-alcohol-isnt-the-only-way-to-have-fun-at-christmas\/","title":{"rendered":"Drinking alcohol isn&#8217;t the only way to have fun at Christmas"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sober Gals Wales is creating a safe space for non-drinking women to celebrate and socialise without booze, this festive season<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67092\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_EmilyPower.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><strong>Emily Power, 29, founder of Sober Gals Wales, said: \u201cSobergals Wales is all about enjoying life without booze, and proving that it\u2019s possible.\u201d Photo by Sophie Colson.<\/strong><br><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-drop-cap\">A well lit room, crowded with women of all ages, laughing and chatting. The walls are covered in tinsel and bright twinkling lights, Christmas music is playing, and decorated trees stand in every corner. The bar is filled with snacks and mugs of warm mulled wine. It\u2019s a scene recognisable to most people as a Christmas party.\u00a0The only difference? There\u2019s no alcohol in sight.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Sober Gals Wales is a community of some 700 women who are at different levels of sobriety and who host events like this one, Christmas wreath-making, to meet like-minded women.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It began in 2022 as a way for founder, Emily Power, 29, to make more female friends who could relate to becoming sober. &#8220;It was initially my way of finding my own sober network, but now it\u2019s me providing that for others as well,\u201d she said.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Power had begun by trying to meet women on the Sober Girl Society, a social media group with 210k Instagram followers, but struggled to arrange meet-ups with local people. So, she created <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/sobergalswales\/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D\">Sober Gals Wales<\/a> with those in the area who seemed willing to meet.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Katie McMenamin, 29, was one of those women added to the initial group chat. She said: \u201cWhen I joined I was trying to meet new people.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-pullquote\"><blockquote><p>I\u2019m completely teetotal. I don\u2019t see myself ever drinking again because I don\u2019t feel I can moderate. My life\u2019s better off without it <br><\/p><cite>Emily Power<\/cite><\/blockquote><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The \u2018non-drinking&#8217; generation<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Power explained she used to drink at the park when she was 16. Her drinking habits were normalised when she went to university, and began binge-drinking. She said: \u201cI\u2019ve always had an unhealthy relationship with alcohol. I was aware of that for a long time before I accepted it.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Current beliefs around young people\u2019s drinking habits are very mixed. The UK generally pictures university students as binge-drinkers and recognises that drinking at 16 is common. Yet, it&#8217;s also a popular belief that the current generation of <a href=\"https:\/\/media.drinkaware.co.uk\/media\/aeihijza\/the-sober-myth-are-young-adults-really-a-generation-of-non-drinkers.pdf?rnd=133409708353500000&amp;_gl=1*ihqpim*_gcl_au*Nzk1OTkzNTA1LjE3MDE4NTY3NjM.*_ga*MTQ1OTk5MTYyMy4xNzAxODU2NzYz*_ga_58XTY81SKL*MTcwMjA0OTQ2NC45LjEuMTcwMjA0OTYzNC42MC4wLjA\">young adults<\/a> are non-drinkers.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to DrinkAware, 16-24 year olds are more likely to be non-drinkers (21%) compared to the rest of the population (13%). That\u2019s one in five young adults, according to the report made in November 2023.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Despite this, adults aged between 18-34 in <a href=\"https:\/\/media.drinkaware.co.uk\/media\/2yqh1dnb\/drinkaware_wales_nations_report_2023.pdf?rnd=133455768288000000\">Wales<\/a> who do drink are more likely to binge. Almost three in four (73%) of people in this age range report binge-drinking in the last year compared to half (50%) of those aged 55 and over.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI\u2019m completely teetotal. I don\u2019t see myself ever drinking again because I don\u2019t feel I can moderate. My life\u2019s better off without it,\u201d said Power.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"843\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-1400x787.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1500\" height=\"843\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67104\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Katie-1-1400x787.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Katie McMenamin, 29, realised sobriety was the right decision for her when she went out with her friends at Christmas and returned having spent less than she used to on a taxi home. Photo by Sophie Colson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sobriety and mental health<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Another reason Power became sober was for her mental health. Hangovers would last two days, and leave her feeling anxious for up to a week. While at university, she was seeing a counsellor who suggested alcohol could be a factor for her anxiety and she could try giving it up. \u201cI genuinely laughed,\u201d said Power, \u201cbecause I didn\u2019t think it was possible. I just couldn\u2019t imagine life without it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt took me a while to accept that it was alcohol that needed to go, and then to have the guts to actually do it took me a while too,\u201d she added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McMenamin\u2019s journey to sobriety also began because of the health benefits it offered. \u201cI was a binge-drinker so if I went out, I<em> went out,\u201d <\/em>she explained<em>, \u201c<\/em> I wouldn\u2019t say I had a problem with alcohol, it was just always there. Social events always focused around it, you didn\u2019t see the girls unless you were going for bottomless brunch.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>She explained that it was a bottomless brunch that convinced her to try sobriety as it prevented her from running a 10k the following morning. According to DrinkAware, this is a common problem for young adult drinkers (aged 16-24) as they are twice as likely to experience memory loss and twice as likely to fail to do what is usually expected of them, compared to older drinkers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text is-stacked-on-mobile\"><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"856\" height=\"1024\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-856x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67108 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-856x1024.jpg 856w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-251x300.jpg 251w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-770x921.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-1284x1536.jpg 1284w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-642x768.jpg 642w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-903x1080.jpg 903w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-293x351.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-1400x1675.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"856\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-856x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-67108 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-856x1024.jpg 856w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-251x300.jpg 251w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-770x921.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-1284x1536.jpg 1284w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-642x768.jpg 642w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-903x1080.jpg 903w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-293x351.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1-1400x1675.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Tifa-the-dog-1.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 856px) 100vw, 856px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<p>McMenamin said she never would have got her dog if she hadn&#8217;t become sober. She would have felt guilty skipping walks when she was hungover, and now her pup is the Sober Gals Wales mascot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt\u2019s just so nice to know that she exists for me because I don\u2019t drink anymore,\u201d added McMenamin.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Tifa the dog, photo by Katie McMenamin.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Misconceptions and safe spaces<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>McMenamin said misconceptions to being sober include alcoholism, religion or being boring. Power explained she still liked going to the pub with her friends and it was common for people to assume she wouldn\u2019t. Despite this, both women agreed that there seemed to be more <a href=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/2021\/03\/22\/beyond-the-booze-the-welsh-businesses-looking-to-capitalise-on-alcohol-free-outings\/\">alcohol-free <\/a>options available now, and that the attitude towards sobriety seems to be improving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Power emphasised that Sober Gals is a safe space for women who can relate to each other because of their shared sobriety. \u201cFor a lot of us in the group, some of those issues that might\u2019ve led to us drinking are quite gender specific,\u201d explained Power, \u201cWe are also very welcoming of non-binary and trans women. We don\u2019t want it to exclude anyone but we also need it to feel safe.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can you be sober in Cardiff and still have fun at Christmas?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-instagram wp-block-embed-instagram\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"sbi-embed-wrap\"><blockquote class=\"instagram-media sbi-embed\" data-instgrm-captioned data-instgrm-permalink=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C0t-24nIJuJ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" data-instgrm-version=\"14\" style=\" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);\"><div style=\"padding:16px;\"> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C0t-24nIJuJ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" background:#FFFFFF; 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font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;\">View this post on Instagram<\/div><\/div><div style=\"padding: 12.5% 0;\"><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;\"><div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;\"><\/div> <div style=\"background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: 8px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)\"><\/div><\/div><div style=\"margin-left: auto;\"> <div style=\" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);\"><\/div> <div style=\" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);\"><\/div><\/div><\/div> <div style=\"display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;\"> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;\"><\/div> <div style=\" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;\"><\/div><\/div><\/a><p style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/reel\/C0t-24nIJuJ\/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading\" style=\" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;\" target=\"_blank\">A post shared by Sophie Colson (@sophiecjournalist)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote><script async src=\"\/\/platform.instagram.com\/en_US\/embeds.js\"><\/script><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Sober, according to Collins dictionary, can have a few meanings; not drunk, a serious and thoughtful person, and when in relation to clothes, plain, dull or subdued. It seems there\u2019s a lot of connotations to the word, but this event couldn\u2019t contradict them more. As women welcome newcomers like old friends, they twine fir tree branches with orange slices and pinecones. The walls are covered in tinsel and bright twinkling lights. Christmas music is playing and they\u2019re singing along. There\u2019s no alcohol in sight.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-2 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"67093\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"a woman with blonde hair holds a wreath up, facing her. It covers her face as she inspects it and makes adjustments.\" class=\"wp-image-67093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"67093\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"a woman with blonde hair holds a wreath up, facing her. It covers her face as she inspects it and makes adjustments.\" class=\"wp-image-67093\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_inspectingwreath.jpg 1434w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Christmas wreath-making was held at Motel Nights in Cardiff and hosted by two members of the Sober Gals Wales group, Rosie Regan and Poppy Osborne. Photo by Rosie Regan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"67096\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"5 women sit at a table, chatting. Wreath-making materials sit in the centre of the table and bright Christmas decorations surround them.\" class=\"wp-image-67096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"67096\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"5 women sit at a table, chatting. Wreath-making materials sit in the centre of the table and bright Christmas decorations surround them.\" class=\"wp-image-67096\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_wreathmakingchat.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Other events that Sobergals has hosted include book clubs, hiking in Snowdonia, cinema trips, escape rooms and board game nights. Photo by Rosie Regan. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"67097\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"a woman holds up a wreath and looks at the items on the table while three other women stand in the background laughing and drinking mulled wine.\" class=\"wp-image-67097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach.jpg 1535w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"67097\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"a woman holds up a wreath and looks at the items on the table while three other women stand in the background laughing and drinking mulled wine.\" class=\"wp-image-67097\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_Wreathmakingreach.jpg 1535w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Motel Nights is a private hire event space nestled behind a series of warehouses in Llanedeyrn, Cardiff. Photo by Rosie Regan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"67095\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"a large group of women sit around a conference table covered in wreath-making materials. Bright decorations cover the walls and a bar with drinks glasses is in the back.\" class=\"wp-image-67095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" data-id=\"67095\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1024x576.jpg\" alt=\"a large group of women sit around a conference table covered in wreath-making materials. Bright decorations cover the walls and a bar with drinks glasses is in the back.\" class=\"wp-image-67095\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup-1400x788.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_thegroup.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">\u201cA group like Sober Gals Wales, where everyone understands, is a nice way of getting out there and still being social,\u201d said Power. Photo by Rosie Regan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" loading=\"lazy\" data-id=\"67094\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"a row of women sit wearing Christmas jumpers, lifting their wreaths in the air as they work on them\" class=\"wp-image-67094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"575\" data-id=\"67094\" src=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1024x575.jpg\" alt=\"a row of women sit wearing Christmas jumpers, lifting their wreaths in the air as they work on them\" class=\"wp-image-67094\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1024x575.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-770x433.jpg 770w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-293x165.jpg 293w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths-1400x787.jpg 1400w, https:\/\/cardiffjournalism.co.uk\/altcardiff\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/13\/2023\/12\/Feature_SophieColson_makingwreaths.jpg 1500w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Power said: \u201cI still get invited out, which was my biggest worry. I thought I was never going to see my friends, because what would we do? But I just have to be more creative and plan. We do things that are more wholesome now.\u201d Photo by Rosie Regan.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-cyan-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-a35540257a65c66f62df350c6d0a134e\"><strong>Places to visit for sober fun in Cardiff:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Chance and Counters or Scaredy Cats, board game cafes\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Peggy\u2019s Pots, Pottery painting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mini golf in St David\u2019s<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Light trail at Bute park<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ice skating, food and games at Winter Wonderland\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Comedy night and other shows at Cardiff Christmas Festival: In the Spiegeltent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Curling, candle-making and wreath making at Tiger Yard\u2019s Winter Wunder-Yard\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Or try one of the activities with Sober Gals Wales<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sober Gals Wales is creating a safe space for non-drinking women to celebrate and socialise without booze this festive season<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1025,"featured_media":67092,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_active":false,"_exactmetrics_sitenote_note":"","_exactmetrics_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[7087,7934],"tags":[8049,8051,8052,8050,8047],"coauthors":[7930],"class_list":["post-67089","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-long-reads","category-social-life","tag-nonalcoholic","tag-nondrinker","tag-soberchristmas","tag-sobergalswales","tag-sobriety"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v25.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Drinking alcohol isn&#039;t the only way to have fun at Christmas - alt.cardiff<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" 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