Successfully surviving the 12 pubs of Christmas can be easier said than done, especially for the uninitiated with this modern Christmas tradition.
It can be very easy to get caught up and overwhelmed when taking part in the 12 pubs of Christmas.
However, by following some smart tips, you can make sure that you will enjoy the night and remember it for all the right reasons!
In this article, we will list some of our best tips and advice for when it comes to surviving the 12 pubs of Christmas.
Stay hydrated – drink more than just alcohol
While it may seem obvious, a lot of people underestimate the importance of staying hydrated during a night on the town, and by hydrated, we mean with water, not more alcohol!
The general rule is that for every pint of alcohol you have, you should at least have one glass of water to balance things out.
This will help to ensure that your hangover the next day will be manageable.
Eat beforehand – lining the stomach
Besides staying hydrated, another great way of ensuring that you will be able to manage your alcoholic intake throughout the night is to make sure you eat a good meal beforehand.
This will ensure that you won’t be drinking on an empty stomach and could make the difference between staying out all night or going home early.
Pace yourself – slow and steady wins the race
The 12 pubs of Christmas is a marathon, not a sprint, and in that spirit, it’s important to pace yourself when drinking on the 12 pubs challenge.
Many people would not be used to drinking in 12 pubs in one night. So, by pacing yourself and drinking glasses of water every now and then, you will have a better chance of lasting the night.
Have your collection arranged – be prepared
A lot of things can happen on a night out, and the 12 pubs of Christmas night can be especially unpredictable. So, it’s always a good idea to have your way home organised in advance just in case.
You don’t want to find yourself stuck in the crowds at the end of the night trying to get a taxi home.
Manage your time – give yourself enough time to get around
On an average night out, most people will leave their house around 9 or 10 pm. However, the 12 pubs of Christmas night is certainly not a typical night.
Since you will be aiming to get to 12 pubs in one night, you will need to start much earlier.
For example, we recommend setting out at 5 or 6 pm so that you can get to all 12 pubs while still being able to pace yourself successfully.
Plan your route – map out your night
In virtually every town of Ireland, you will have your pick of a vast number of pubs. So, when in a big group on a busy night, it can be easy to get separated from your group.
It’s best practice then to have the order of the 12 pubs you plan to visit agreed upon in advance. It might even be a good idea to have the list in your WhatsApp group. That way, everyone can consult it when needed.
Ideally, it’s recommended that the 12 pubs you plan to visit are as close together as possible. This will limit the amount of walking you will have to do.
Don’t be a show-off – there is always one
You know how it is when you are out in a group during the festive season. There can always be one who overdoes it and tries to show off by either drinking too much or being too noisy and messy.
You don’t want to be that person who spoils the night. So, ensure that you only drink what you are comfortable with and control your behaviour.
Watch your belongings – keep your wits about you
There’s nothing like getting robbed or losing your things to ruin what should be a great night out.
Most people you meet on a night out will be friendly. However, you should also not be naïve enough to let your guard down. There will be opportunistic thieves waiting for the chance to take your things.
Keep your wits about you, stay in groups with friends when you can, and always be aware of your surroundings and possessions.
Successfully surviving the 12 pubs of Christmas with your dignity intact is, of course, important. However, it’s also important to enjoy the night and get into the festive spirit of the season. Just be safe when doing so, and you will have a great night to remember!
That concludes our article on our best tips and advice for surviving the 12 pubs of Christmas. Have you ever completed the 12 pubs of Christmas before?
