Every year my family attends Christmas get-togethers for both my family and my wife's, family. Neither event is vegetarian and each poses a few considerations. However, we are fortunate. Since we've been vegetarians for almost 20 years, and vegans for almost as long, most of the "jokes" and comments of concern have long subsided.
Most of our family is respectful of our lifestyle decisions including our vegan diet, and they often try to have items on hand that we can eat. Sometimes, relatives bring vegan items they've made with us in mind or vegan candies they have purchased. These thoughtful gestures are appreciated, especially by our children who enjoy vegan treats.
We often bring along a tasty vegan dish that our children like. We include extra in case others want to sample our compassionate cooking. Below are a few points you might consider to help ensure that your holiday dinner is enjoyable and cruelty-free!
- Avoid arguments or discussions about your eating choices. Vegetarianism/veganism won't be seen in a positive light by others if it is the cause of an argument - especially during this special time of year.
- Ensure that you have plenty of tasty, nutritious food you can eat. This may mean preparing some yourself and taking it with you.
- If others offer to prepare vegan or vegetarian food for you and your family ensure that they know what this entails. Many well-meaning people are often misinformed about what vegan and vegetarian food is. Encourage them to ask you questions if they are unsure about something.
- Don't put down others for their diet choices.
- Use the experience to educate your children. For example, if they ask questions about the object on the plate in the middle of the table find an appropriate time when you won't offend others to explain it to your children. You can tell them it was a beautiful turkey and many people eat animals but that you don't believe in harming animals and this is one reason why you chose to be a vegan/vegetarian.
- Have fun and be kind. By doing this you will show others that it is not only easy to live without hurting animals, it is the only way to live!
What I find I have a hard time with is resisting the food myself. This could be due to I've only been a vegan for 11 months. It has been very challenging for me. At what point will this food not tempt me, please advise. I tried all those suggestion you gave, but I broke down and had some Thanksgiving food.
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