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Vegetarians
Rising to the Holiday Challenge
By Melanie Wilson
If you are vegan, you may wish to eat before you go, then snack on green salad, nuts and fruit. You can always call ahead of time and offer to make, say, the mashed potatoes and gravy, ensuring that at least one item is made to your specifications. Dark chocolates are loved by all, and no one will suspect that you've just snuck a vegan dessert on the table.
No one ever seems to mind when fellow meat-eaters bring an extra dish of food to gatherings unannounced. It is viewed as a welcome contribution to the feast. When you are vegetarian, however, it's sometimes seen as an affront, a statement that, hey, your food isn't good enough for us to eat, so we've brought our own. So, if you do bring a dish, the focus should be less on "food for us" and more on "more food for everyone." If you do wish to bring something like an un-turkey (made with seitan) that is clearly an alternative to the meat on the table, it's only fair to clear it with the host ahead of time. When you call, focus on the gathering, that you are looking forward to visiting with family, and by the way, do you mind if I bring this vegetarian option for our family?
Only you know what will be acceptable to your family and what works with your vegetarian values and lifestyle, but if you keep things positive and focus on family rather than food, you can make it peacefully through the holiday season! It can be helpful to consciously move away from a food-centered approach in your mind, concentrating instead on the fun, companionship and festive nature of the holidays. Lower your expectations a little bit. Stay positive and on focus yourself, and remember, January's not far away!