How to Survive Family Holidays as a Vegetarian

Even though vegetarianism has become more mainstream, family gatherings may still be awkward. There are ways to survive, however, without alienating your family or compromising your values.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Vegetarian Cookbook
• Vegetables
• Vegetables

1. Tell your parents (or whoever is hosting the party) ahead of time that you are a vegetarian - don't let it be a surprise. Don't call the day before Thanksgiving and drop the news on them. Quietly tell them your reasons and if need be, give them scientific backing.

2. Be prepared for the fallout. Rehearse your speech. If they get too agitated, drop the subject and continue it on another day.

3. Be flexible at the gathering. Most big dinners have plenty of non-meat dishes. Eat side dishes such as potatoes, salads, bread and so on.

4. Avoid bringing your own food. Even if there's minimal food for you to eat, you can always go out later and get a sandwich. Bringing your own food will really set you up for battle.

5. Ask to have non-meat dishes prepared for you. Most parents and relatives want everyone to be happy and will probably prepare extra sweet potato pudding, extra stuffing, or make a nice corn soufflé if asked.

6. Avoid battling at the table. If people start to pressure you, try to laugh it off and redirect the conversation. If that doesn't work, simply state why you no longer eat meat and let it go at that.

7. Keep the visit short if things really get tense. If you've tried your best and the mood remains hostile, leave after dessert. Keep in mind that most families do come around.

8. Give them time. Sometimes it takes a while for parents and family to adjust, especially if they live in an area where vegetarianism is uncommon.

9. Prepare a vegetarian dinner for your family. If you're not a great cook, enlist the support of someone who is. Let them know that vegetarians eat healthy, delicious food and that even holiday dinners can be meatless.

10. Avoid family holiday gatherings if the tension fails to decrease. Arrive after dinner for dessert and coffee. Bring your presents over Christmas morning but leave before dinner.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a good relationship with your family, most of them will eventually accept the fact that you have chosen a different dietary style.
• If family gatherings do remain stressful, limit your presence at them. It may be the best solution for everyone.

on 3/6/2006 When vegetarians bring their own food they have a tendency to become overbearing. If you don't want to eat the food served, come for dessert. Skip the dinner completely rather than hurt the host/hostesses feelings and make everyone else uncomfortable. Don't impose your eating habits on other people. It's a personal choice, not a group choice.

on 1/16/2006 I don't really see what's wrong with bringing your own food, as long as you bring enough to share with everyone else. I'm sure the host will appreciate having another delicious dish on the table, and will feel a bit less pressured about finding food you can eat. In my experience, a lot of people are pretty clueless about what vegetarians can eat -- some have tried to feed me fish!

on 11/22/2005 Most kids are supported by their families when they make a decision. It's also a hassle for your parents to cook a separate meal. Try cooking yourself and finding meat alternatives like veggie burgers or soy bacon.

on 11/22/2005 Some people just don't understand the vegetarian diet. Be discreet, don't tell everyone you know that you are a vegetarian. They will eventually figure it out when you aren't eating the turkey, ham, etc. They will accept it easier if you don't preach!