My family was the same way, we were all happy drunks and had a ball. Even my ex-husband wanted to spend the holidays with us. He said his family was dull!
I just say, "I don't drink".
The thing that long term sobriety forgets is that this takes self-confidence.
When we were practicing alcoholics we didn't have that.
All of the outward show was a charade. We were scared to death to offend one of our friends. After all, misery has always loved company.
Nan, you hit the nail on the head.
In order to maintain the spiritual level necessary to stay sober, we have to help others. This is AA's Twelfth Step.
We must give away that which has been so freely given to us.