Lifestyle

5 Reasons To Have A Designated Driver This Holiday (And Every) Season

by Lauren Harbury

The holidays are in full swing and if you are like me, then you have already cracked open your fair share of wine bottles.

While the holiday seasons brings out the merriest and brightest in most of us, it can also bring out the drunkest.

I'm not here to rain on your parade, or to take away that glass of wine, beer or festively peppermint cocktail, but I am here to remind you to get your sh*t together.

Most importantly, you need to make sure you are being seasonally safe.

Although, this is also a gentle reminder, this is something you should be doing year round.

As you go through the next few weeks making appearances at those high school get-togethers, college friend reunions, work parties, family dinners and nights on the town, please, do us all a favor and designate a driver.

Just in case you need convincing, here are some reasons why you should:

1. You can appoint a different designated driver each time you go out.

Each night when you are headed out, take a moment to poll your friends to see who would be willing to be the designated driver. Depending on the size of the group you go out with, you may be able to go a few weeks before anyone has to do repeat duty.

Let's be honest, everyone wants to know he or she is going to make it home safely. There is

There is usually at least one person who has sworn off of alcohol for a few days because of a brutal hangover.

If no one volunteers, then kick it off yourself. Taking the first evening will not only get it out of the way, but will start the trend off on a positive note. You can sit back, relax and watch the antics.

You can sit back, relax and watch the antics.

2. Having a designated driver will allow you to actually enjoy your spiked coco.

Sip that spiked coco worry-free, knowing that if you over indulge, it won't be a last-minute scramble to get a ride home.

You can even add a cup (or a few) of eggnog to the evening without wondering to yourself if you are really okay to drive.

Here's the answer: You're not. Don't make your friends fight you for your keys.

3. Santa does not deliver presents in jail.

I repeat: Santa does not deliver presents in jail. If you want to be ripping that wrapping paper off your gifts, then you need to be seated in your own living room, not sitting next to a bad Santa look-alike in a jail cell.

If you want to be ripping that wrapping paper off your gifts, then you need to be seated in your own living room, not sitting next to a bad Santa look-alike in a jail cell.

Plus, we would hate for you to only get coal on Christmas morning, so be good for goodness sake.

4. Sleeping in your own bed is always best (even if it's with someone).

Avoid the panic that comes with waking up in a foreign bed by making sure you are going to be back in your bed, even if it is with your Tinder date or ex (I see you, holiday season).

Take a moment to think about how comfy your bed is, how perfect the pillows are and how nice it is to not have to ask some random person for a ride home. You got this.

You got this.

5. There's no excuse not to use Uber.

Okay, you f*cked it right up and didn't appoint a designated driver like I told you to, but there's still no excuse for intoxicated driving.

Uber is the gift that keeps on giving this season, especially when you are in a pinch.

If you haven't set up your account yet, go right ahead and do it so you have a backup option.

If you do have an account set up, please use it before you get behind the wheel.

It never breaks the bank and let's be honest, a DUI is a terrible Christmas gift.

Tired of being babysat?

I'm tired of babysitting you, so let's just agree that you will appoint a designated driver this season and keep yourself safe.

Enjoy the holiday season, your friends, family and presents.

Ho ho ho!