The January Wagon

January 2025

Happy New Year and welcome to 2025! For me, it’s almost unimaginable to write “2025”. Because it occurs to me that, having been born in 1962, I am existing within my 7th decade. Where does the time go?  It makes me wonder if I am making the best of my time in this life as it zips by.  I guess that is something many of us are thinking as we start a new year.

Speaking of a new year, after an extremely wet November and December I am looking forward to a dry January. No, I’m not talking about the weather. I’m talking about alcohol of course. Once again, I shall embark on my annual quest to eliminate one of my favorite pastimes. At least for 31 days or so.  

As always, it seems November and December are filled with events and holidays featuring alcohol aplenty. Every time I turn around during this period, I am either asking, or being asked, to grab a beer or cocktail with someone. Or I am at a gathering where people are drinking.  So of course, I do too. That’s what makes January a good month to jump on the wagon.  A fine idiomatic expression describing a person who has stopped drinking alcohol. I am not certain of its origin, but I do know it’s a popular activity this time of year.  It’s just a good time to dry out.

The first week or so is easy.  Lots of people are in the same boat.  Just like working out to get fit or trying to lose weight. Both activities are extremely popular as New Year’s resolutions. I loathe resolutions as they always seem to end in failure.  So, I never refer to my dry January as a “resolution”. I am trying not to set myself up to fail.  The good news is, I have had many successful dry January’s.  I don’t always make it to the end of the month, but most times I do. In February I usually feel so good that I wonder why I jump off that wagon.  But I always have.

That makes me ponder, how did drinking alcoholic beverages develop into such a big piece of my life?  And it’s not just my life. If you think about it, Alcoholic beverage consumption is a colossal social norm and a significant part of many of the world’s cultures. For me, it is something that is seemingly integrated into almost every facet of my existence. And I am not alone. It is a big part of many of our lives. 

Now I am a food scientist, and I love to try new foods and beverages, both separately and in combinations.  It’s just something I have always enjoyed doing.  I also appreciate the social and experiential aspects of drinking.  Accentuating a special occasion, or as a complement to a meal. Alcohol for me is also a relaxant. As a Type A personality, it tends to soothe my urge to always have to be doing something. Slowing me down and keeping me in the moment.

Now to be clear, I do not consider myself an alcoholic.  Nor does my wife, for that matter. And she is a non-drinker. Of course, I have my bingeworthy moments, where I will have more than recommended. Consuming more than would allow me to drive safely.  Which I never do! I consider 4 drinks in a moderately short period too much, regardless of how I feel. Or don’t feel. Thankfully, I have a spouse that is a built-in designated driver. 

Now, as a Type A, pedantic, ultra-curious scientist, for many years I have kept track of my alcohol consumption patterns. Also tracking many other things. I know this practice drives my wife crazy, so I don’t talk about it too much!  My data indicates that my average number of alcoholic drinks per week is around 12-14. 13.7 per week to be exact.  Which sounds like a lot when you write it down.  But it is an honest tally.  This total is usually a mix of beer and wine.  With an occasional bourbon, martini or margarita thrown in for good measure.

But why?  How has this “habit” evolved over time? Now, I can only speak for me, so I tried not to think in cultural terms.  Although I imagine my behavior in this regard is a microcosm of society.  At least in terms of drinkers without a problem.  I am a social drinker after all.  It just seems to have gone from a weekend type of thing, where most of my drinks were consumed on Friday and Saturday, to a nearly everyday thing where I just have one or two drinks per day.  But, once again, why? So, I began doing some behavioral analysis.

As a retired guy, I do a fair amount of socializing.  Intentionally, I might add.  I know it is a good thing to do to keep my mind sharp.  Which is something that is vastly important as we age.  I no longer have an office or workplace to use as my venue for this activity.  Catching up with friends over a beer has become a “thing”.  I do this at least once a week, and thoroughly enjoy it. Sporting events are also occasions for gathering and almost always include their share of bevys. 

I do love beer!  I live in Michigan, and we are blessed with many small Breweries.  My local community has 4 and my hometown has several as well. As a beer devotee I love visits to these venues to sample the artisanship of a good locally made brew.  Chatting with the brewers themselves is a fun way to stay involved in food, after spending 35 years working in that industry.

I am also doing a lot more cooking since I retired.  Another pastime that makes me very happy.  My family as well!  And there is nothing like having a nice glass of wine or two while you are preparing a meal.  Or while consuming it for that matter.  Nowadays you can even imbibe while in planning mode. Our local grocery store allows us to purchase and drink locally produced beer and wine while we shop. 

We are also eating out a fair amount these days, and certain cuisines just lend themselves to having an alcohol accompaniment. With Mexican food I love a margarita, with Italian cuisine I adore a nice wine.  And certainly, a beer goes amazingly well with a burger or pizza. I also appreciate a really good glass of red wine with a steak.  The food and the beverage have become integrated for me. Making a meal complete.  Making it an experience!

So, what do I do in January?  I socialize less frequently, cook with a little less enjoyment. I don’t go out to eat in restaurants as much.  I drink more juices and sparkling water.  More soft drinks.  I certainly don’t suffer, but life is a little less colorful, less satisfying. I am a little ashamed to say it, but drinking alcohol is part of the recipe of what makes me, well, me.  That is why I work to stay healthy, so I never have to completely stop. The day may come, and I will have to adapt.  But until then I am going to enjoy my pastime.  Without guilt or apology. 

I would be remiss if I did not mention that for me, there are plenty of good reasons not to drink.  It certainly provides an excessive number of empty calories I do not need, as I constantly battle with my weight.  There is no doubt that it lowers my inhibitions and makes me eat more than I need.  I also admit, drinking feels good in the moment but has physical and mental repercussions that I don’t like.  Even when done in moderation.  For example, I abhor hangovers. That is one factor that keeps me from drinking too much.  I’ll do anything to avoid one. And feeling sluggish the morning after happens after with far fewer drinks as you age. 

Every January, my wife says, “why quit cold turkey, just ease up”. But I’m kind of an all or nothing guy. Besides. I like to prove to myself I can do it. Make it seem special again when I restart. Especially after the “wet months”.  Kicking off the year by giving my liver a break and dropping a few pounds.

Giving up alcohol for a month can be a challenge for me, both personally and socially. But it also provides an opportunity to be creative with how I socialize, or even eat. I asked a friend to go for coffee the other day, something I never do.  I am concocting and drinking some amazing juice cocktails. There are a ton of really tasty sparkling waters and tonics out there.

Regardless, I am on day 10 and going strong.  It has been both easy and kind of fun!  I’m already sleeping better, which always seems to happen.  Sometimes, I wonder why I go back?  But of course, I will. It is part of me making the best of my life.  I am not ashamed of that.  And yes, I’ll document my consumption pattern and have loads of data to share again next January.  Just don’t tell my wife!