Christmas is upon us. And it’s a good time to figure out how you’re going to avoid sending people home, getting into their cars, with several drinks under their belt. Did you know that half the traffic-accident deaths over Christmas and New Year’s are caused by drunk drivers? We don’t need any more drunk drivers on the roads.

Last night my son was at a Christmas party where they ran out of booze before he got there. He had two beers all night – and so did the three other young people who arrived with him. It was a big relief for me and, I’m sure, for the other parents.

Some of the young people left the party so they could go someplace where there was more alcohol. Drinking was more important to them than spending time with their friends and family over Christmas. They’re the ones who more than likely need a stint in an addiction treatment center.

Many people associate drinking with having fun. But if they’re in an environment where people are having fun without drinking, they see that it’s possible to have a good time while sober.

If you have young people, or older people, who drink coming over for Christmas, try not serving alcohol. Or serve non-alcoholic beer, wine and other drinks that taste good but don’t get anyone drunk. You’ll make the roads safer, and chances are you won’t get your Christmas tree knocked over.

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