For the past three years, I have had the thrill of being questioned on my dietary choices at most every social event I have attended. From birthday parties, to Sunday brunches, to snacking in class, getting a hard time for being a vegetarian has simply become a part of my daily routine.
During the holidays, however, when an even greater amount of social events revolve around celebratory meals, this constant questioning tends to reach a peak. More so, the social events themselves typically feature a total of about three side dishes that are safe for me to eat, hence posing some obvious challenges. How do you navigate these food-based social events without being rude to the host? Is it even possible to not be perceived as a “preachy” vegetarian when your entire family is questioning you? Why can’t you simply avoid addressing it altogether?
These are all valid questions, which is why as a fellow vegetarian, I am here with a few tips on how to make this holiday season more manageable when it comes to the meat-free lifestyle inquiries that you are bound to be bombarded with. Whether it’s your first holiday season as a vegetarian (in which case, welcome to the club!) or your 10th, it’s always good to know that there are others on the exact same boat as you.Â
Offer to Help
If your family is one to spend hours cooking up a storm when you all gather together, then offer to help out with the cooking so that you can sneak in some veggie-friendly meals for yourself. While they’re prepping the turkey or steak, grab a frying pan and saute a portobello mushroom for yourself – this way you are taking charge of your diet while bonding with your family through the glorious common interest of food.
Suggest a Potluck
When making plans for all the holiday parties you are bound to attend, suggest to the host (or, be the host yourself) that they turn the celebration into a potluck. When everyone brings their own dish, you can be your own saviour and prepare a tasty, meatless main course for yourself, which your friends will be able to enjoy as well.
Trader Joe’s
Need I say more? If you have not yet visited the aisles at your nearest Trader Joe’s during the holiday season, then you are seriously missing out. TJ provides a plethora of veggie-friendly takes on your favorite holiday classics for prices that you can actually afford. My personal favorite is their Breaded Turkey-Less Stuffed Roast with Gravy, which they start stocking during Thanksgiving and carry into the new year. I have relied on this dish for the past three holiday seasons and I can guarantee it never gets old.
Come Prepared
Try as you might, there are some gatherings that will simply provide nothing for you to eat other than a side salad. When you know that this could be a possibility, I suggest bringing your own dressing or a small tupperware in your purse with some extra toppings to help get you through until dessert is served. If you need to quickly sneak to a corner of the kitchen to do this, just go for it, because I guarantee everyone else is probably focused on trying to teach your grandmother how to take a selfie.
Be Compassionate
I often tell friends and family that one of the greatest blessings that my vegetarian lifestyle has given me has been increased compassion for myself, my body, and the world around me. In moments of challenge or discomfort that may arise during your holiday season, even if they are not related to your dietary choices, remember to tap into said compassion in order to gain strength and balance. This positive energy will likely generate a ripple effect and set an example for those around you regarding the gratitude that should always be present during the holiday season.