My brand new cookbook is out on Amazon! It’s called “30-Minute Plant-Based Recipes” and it’s perfect for busy vegans. Grab it now!
With so many holidays coming up our way, Thanksgiving, Friendsgiving, Hannukah, Kwanza, Christmas, and many more, I thought I’d share a few words of my
Last year was my first year as a vegan attending a bunch of holiday family events, work gatherings, and friends’ get-togethers.
I’ve certainly gotten myself in some pretty awkward situations, felt the air escape the room when guests would find out I was a vegan, and had to endure all too many familiar vegan Qs.
As I’m packing to leave for Thanksgiving to my
So, how do we survive the holidays as vegans?
1. Let your host know ahead of time.
If the person who invited you to the holiday party doesn’t know you are a vegan, tell them. Try to wheel it into the conversation ahead of the holidays rather than calling and abruptly announcing your lifestyle choice.
If you are a +1 or don’t know the person who invited you very well, then have someone relate the message on your behalf. A good host will always appreciate knowing the dietary choices of people at his/her party.
2. Offer to bring a dish or two.
This could go with #1 above. Once you’ve let the host know of the fact that you are a vegan, offer to bring a dish. I had never met a host who refused help with appetizers or side dishes.
This will also ensure that you will have something eat (just in case).
3. Don’t make veganism the center of the
Don’t talk about how many turkeys are being slaughtered every year. It puts non-vegans on the defensive.
It’s OK to talk about your lifestyle but it shouldn’t be the center of the conversation. And trust me, when some people find out that you are a vegan they can inundate you with questions. Then other guests overhear and join in the debate and the next thing you know you’re talking politics at the dinner table!
4. Be prepared on what to say when people blatantly ask you why you won’t eat the turkey or the mashed potatoes.
If a guest asks ‘Why aren’t you eating turkey, dear?’ you can say something like ‘I’m OK for the moment, thank you.’
Many guests won’t take it any further and if they do then simply say that you eat plant-based or vegan diet.
5. Be respectful, grateful, and thankful.
Holidays are happy times meant to bring loved ones together. Be respectful of others’ choices and opinions. And most importantly, be grateful and thankful for everything in your life.
My brand new cookbook is out on Amazon! It’s called “30-Minute Plant-Based Recipes” and it’s perfect for busy vegans. Grab it now!
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