Greetings of the season and happy holidays to all. While it seems like this year has flown past, it is important to reflect on the progress we have made as a group, as well as, individual growth as a result of staying in recovery. This year, new SDIAA bylaws were written, reviewed and approved, a digital newcomer app created, our website upgraded and various social events held to include the festive annual Bash at the Beach and the Gratitude Breakfast.

As we wind down the year and gear up for the holidays, let’s remember the Twelfth Step and carry the message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs. Let’s look for opportunities to reach out to those who may need an extra hand or ear during the holiday season. And if you have not touched on being of service, this is a good time of the year to reach out to your sponsor to find out ways that you can be involved.

For many of us, the holidays are a season of peace and joy when we get together with loved ones and families. However, the season can be a tough time for people in recovery, and particularly for those early in the process. Family and social events during the holidays can be triggers, which may provide opportunities, and even pressure, to drink alcohol.

On top of that, you may be away during this time, and can’t attend your home group meeting. Or you haven’t talked to your sponsor in two days. How does one stay sober during these times?

We have found that sober holidays can be quite fun if we direct our attention towards people and activities that can help strengthen us on our road to recovery. Here are a few tips and strategies which we have found to be helpful during this time of year.

1. Plan Ahead. Know in advance and plan to attend one or more sober events held throughout the holiday season such as marathon A.A. meetings (aka alkathons), sober holiday parties and workshops. We will post these as soon as we know about them. If you’re going to family or social events, always take your own vehicle so you can control when you leave. If possible, bring a sober buddy with you for support. Plan to arrive early and leave early.
2. Go to Meetings. You can attend a meeting any day at any time, whether in person or online. If you are traveling out of town for the holidays, be sure to let your homegroup members know where you will be, and ask them to keep you accountable. It isn’t a bad idea to give out your number before you take off for the holidays either; this way, people will be able to easily get in touch should you not show up to a meeting one day.



3. Use your phone list. Identify three people you feel safe reaching out to who are supportive of your sobriety and add them to your favorites on your phone. If you’re struggling, reach out to one of them via phone or text. Most A.A. meetings will provide you with a meeting list with numbers. Keep calling until someone answers. If you can’t find anyone to answer your call in your time of need, call the SDIAA hotline at 302-856-6452. Twenty four hour support is only a phone call away.
4. Check-in on someone else. One of the best ways to get out of our own heads is to check-in on someone else who might be struggling. If you’re dealing with cravings or having a difficult day, try to reach out to a friend and see how they’re doing. An encouraging word via telephone, email or text may be just the ticket. Out of self, into God, and for others, often works wonders.
5. Move your body. The mental benefits of exercise are surprising and profound. If you’re experiencing a craving, try to take a 10-minute walk where you focus on your surroundings. If it’s too cold outside for walking, try 10 minutes of gentle stretching inside.

Want more tips? The 12 Tips on Keeping Your Holiday Season Sober and Joyous brought to you from the Winter 2013 edition of Box 4-5-9 is worth read­ing year af­ter year.

We wish you all much joy and serenity this holiday season!

International Convention Closing Meetings Survey

The A.A. International Convention is conducting a survey to help come to an informed decision about the preferences of the Fellowship regarding methods of closing the Big Meetings at the International Convention.

This is in response to an agenda item from the 2021 Conference Committee on International Conventions/Regional Forums requesting consideration of whether to use of the Lord’s Prayer, Serenity Prayer, the Responsibility statement or simply close with a moment of silence.

Please go here if you’d like to participate in the survey which closes on December 15, 2022.

SDIAA Steering Committee Elections

This is a reminder that elections will be held for three (3) at-large steering committee members during our next monthly Intergroup meeting scheduled for Thursday, December 1.

The purpose of SDIAA’s newly formed steering committee is to provide oversight and guidance to Intergroup, acting in an advisory capacity for initiatives and projects across committees and business functions. This committee sets the strategic direction of Intergroup and provides advice on special projects.

Requirements to serve on the committee are two (2) years of continuous sobriety and having served in some capacity as an A.A. trusted servant. You do not need to be an intergroup representative to join this committee. These requirements may be waived at the discretion of Intergroup.

This is an outstanding opportunity for service and to help shape the future of Intergroup. If you are interested in becoming a steering committee member, or know someone who is, please plan to attend our next intergroup meeting on December 1, which meets at 6PM via Zoom.

See our bylaws for further reading.

Additional Service Opportunities

There are additional ways that you can provide valuable service to SDIAA and help ensure the hand of Alcoholics Anonymous to always be there. This includes Intergroup Vice Chair; Website/Tech Committee Chair and Liaison for Area 12. We are also looking for a webmaster to join our team to help us maintain our website. Previous WordPress experience is required and experience as a Webmaster is a plus. And if you don’t want to chair, consider simply joining a committee. We welcome your contribution in any capacity.

For more information see our Service Committees page and plan to attend our monthly intergroup meeting on Thursday, December 1. If you have any questions, please contact us by email.

Be a part of Grapevine’s Audio Project

This is a reminder that you can be a part of Grapevine’s Audio Project. Grapevine is collecting up to 7-minute long stories from the Fellowship in the form of audio recordings. Share as you would in a meeting — or pick a topic of your own choosing, from making amends to working a particular Step.

If your audio story is accepted by the A.A. Grapevine editorial staff, Grapevine will publish it in the form of a YouTube playlist or on another media platform.

Two Ways To Share Your Audio Story

1. The Audio Project Voicemail System
   • Call the voicemail system at 559-726-1216.
   • Press 1 to hear helpful tips and to begin recording your story after the tone.
   • When you’re finished recording, Press #, then you will be prompted to Press 1 to save your story.
   • After that, Press 2 to give the Grapevine permission to use your story.
2. Do It Yourself
   • Use your own digital recorder, smartphone or other mobile devices. WAV or MP3 files will be accepted.
   • Send your recording to the email address webcoord@aagrapevine.org.

Listen To Stories By Members

If you want to share your experience, strength and hope with the Grapevine, but are unsure of what to share, listen to these audiotapes made by other AA members. You can find them at the Grapevine’s designated YouTube channel. Here are three: Sponsorship, Voices of Women and From Relapse to Recovery.

Mark Your Calendar

Upcoming events that may be of interest to you.

• Southern Delaware Intergroup Monthly Meeting — Join us on Thursday, December 1 at 6PM via Zoom. Please note new Meeting ID: 987-8110-5001 and Passcode: 914711. Our intergroup is a resource for 12-Step work and Alcoholics Anonymous information in Southern Delaware.
• CDIAA Christmas Alcathon — Central Delaware Intergroup is holding its annual Christmas Alcathon at Serenity Place, located at 327 Martin Street in Dover, from Saturday, December 24 at 8PM through Sunday, December 25 at 8PM. There will be meetings every 1-1/2 hours. The event is free. For more information, please go here.
• 59th International Women’s Conference (IWC) — Held February 16 through 19, 2023, the IWC will be a hybrid event at the Renaissance Dallas Addison Hotel, 15201 Dallas Parkway, Addison, TX and online via Zoom. For more information on the conference and to register, please see their website.