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It's Not About the Alcohol


Dec 19, 2025

Why do we buy gifts we can't afford for people who don't need them and over-schedule ourselves to the point where we only have the energy to drink and complain about how stressed we are?

This episode is dedicated to your inner rebel—the part of you that wants to pour a drink, flip the bird, and Thelma-and-Louise yourself out of the insanity. Because she's not the problem. She's the part of you that knows something is wrong. 

I'm also sharing how I've completely reinvented Christmas in my own family over the last 10+ years—no gifts, no stress, no obligation—and what I'm doing this year to create connection and joy.

 

🔑 Key Takeaways

→ The “waiting room” social experiment that reveals our true nature

→ Why the real culprit is your inner rule follower who can't tolerate going against the group

→ The evolution of my family's approach to Christmas gifts (and why my kids love it)

→ How to accept a gift without feeling obligated to reciprocate

→ How to audit your schedule, budget, and obligations—and have the courage to opt out

 

This episode is for you if:

  • You're stressed and overwhelmed because “tis the season"

  • You’re on track to wake up broke and hungover in January

  • You've been numbing your way through the holidays instead of enjoying them

  • You're ready to stop following rules that weren't designed for your happiness

  • Your inner rebel deserves more than another drink

 

If you are ready to get support from a community of women who are co-creating this change with intention and clarity— Click here to BOOK A DISCOVERY CALL

 

Do you want help from Colleen with a situation you’re struggling with? Click here to submit your question for Colleen’s NEW Q&A episodes. Your name will not be mentioned on air! 

 

Find me on:

YouTube: @HangoverWhisperer

TikTok: @hangoverwhisperer

Instagram: @thehangoverwhisperer 

X (Twitter) : @NotAboutTheAlc

 

Transcript