Surviving the Holidays as a Vegan: Dos, Don’ts

Ah, the holiday season—a time for festive cheer, warm embraces, and the not-so-gentle questioning of your life choices. If you’re a vegan walking into the annual family gathering, brace yourself: you are now the unofficial spokesperson for quinoa and oat milk. It’s your time to shine! Or at least sparkle… like tinsel stuck to the bottom of everyone’s shoes.

Whether this is your first rodeo or your twentieth holiday season explaining that yes, you get enough protein, this guide will help you navigate the festive chaos with humor, grace, and maybe a lentil loaf in your bag.

DO: Bring Your Own Vegan Dish… and Enough to Share

Showing up empty-handed to a non-vegan holiday dinner is like walking into a lion’s den with a neon sign that reads, “I eat plants.” Your cousin’s meat-and-potatoes mindset may not survive the shock.

Bring a dish—a showstopper if you can—and watch as the curiosity builds.

Pro Tip: Say things like "This is a vegan Wellington, super delicious," and NOT "This is a cruelty-free alternative to your turkey corpse." Holiday gatherings require diplomacy.

When the inevitable "Wait, what’s in this?" question comes, keep it light: “Oh, just some plants and magic. I promise you won’t miss a thing.” Bonus points if your uncle reluctantly admits it tastes good while side-eyeing his gravy-soaked plate.

DON’T: Turn the Dinner Table into a TED Talk on Veganism

We know—climate change, health benefits, animal rights… it’s all VERY compelling. But nothing kills the mood faster than delivering a lecture while Grandma carves the roast.

If someone genuinely asks, by all means, share your reasons (gently). But if they’re stabbing their potatoes while smirking, "So, where do you even get your protein?"—

Pause. Breathe. Smile. Respond with:

"Mostly from the plants I eat… and the tears of people who ask that question."

DO: Be the Trendsetter You Are

Holidays are all about indulgence, and being vegan doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, vegans have been setting food trends for years—jackfruit pulled “pork,” cashew cheese boards, vegan charcuterie (yes, it’s a thing), and gingerbread made without egg casualties.

Show up with something trendy yet approachable, like a decadent vegan chocolate tart, a creamy butternut squash pasta, or those cinnamon buns that melt hearts faster than Frosty in July.

Also, know your trends:

• 2024 Holiday Hits: Plant-based roasts, cauliflower “steaks,” veganized versions of retro desserts like trifle and baked Alaska.
• Overheard at Dinner: “Wait, THIS is vegan? You’re lying.” That’s your cue to bask in the victory.

DON’T: Take the “Tofurky” Jokes Personally

There’s always one. The cousin who thinks they’re the comedic reincarnation of Robin Williams because they said Tofurky out loud. Laugh along, because life’s too short… and your food is too delicious for their outdated humor.

"Oh wow, Tofurky, how original! Just like the 15th time you told that joke this year.”

Then pass them a slice. Actions speak louder than words… and plant-based gravy.

DO: Plan Ahead if Visiting Non-Vegan Friends or Families

You’re meeting the in-laws for the first time? Good luck—may the lentils be ever in your favor.

Pro-tip for vegan survival: Communicate. Tell your hosts in advance that you’re vegan, and offer to help with food prep. Most people don’t bite (unlike that one judgmental auntie).

If all else fails, stash emergency snacks in your bag. Nothing says “I came prepared” like whipping out a vegan granola bar during a tense moment over the last potato roll.

Level Up: Bring a vegan dessert as your peace offering—it’s hard to hate the person who showed up with brownies.

DON’T: Go Hungry to Holiday Gatherings

If the dinner table is an unforgiving wasteland of butter-laden mashed potatoes and gelatin-filled desserts, you’ll be Hangry Vegan #1. Don’t do this to yourself (or your family).

Eat a little beforehand—think hearty soup, avocado toast, or a smoothie. This ensures you can still laugh off comments like: “You know the salad has bacon in it, right?”

You: “No worries, I came for the conversation!” (Translation: I have snacks in my car.)

DO: Focus on the Joy, Not Just the Food

At the end of the day, holidays are about connection—shared laughter, bad family games, and awkward dance moves after too much vegan eggnog. The food is important, yes, but it’s the company that makes the season bright… even if they ask you 14 times why you won’t have a slice of Aunt Margaret’s mystery meat pie.

Focus on what brings you joy: a chance to introduce your family to a new dish, celebrating with loved ones, or escaping to the kitchen for a “taste test” of your vegan dessert.

Final Thoughts: Celebrate Yourself

Being vegan during the holidays isn’t always easy, but it’s an opportunity to share kindness, creativity, and delicious food. You’re not just bringing a salad to the table—you’re bringing an entire perspective shift (and let’s be honest… the salad slaps).

So go forth, festive plant warrior. Laugh at the jokes, enjoy the food, and remember: you’re fabulous, ethical, and fueled by plants. That’s worth celebrating every single day of the year—even if you have to explain lentils for the 100th time.

Wishing you a joyful, laughter-filled, and plant-powered holiday season!

P.S.: Don’t forget to pack those emergency brownies. Just saying.