Comments on: Holiday Meal Survival Tips

By: candice

candice — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 00:41:46 +0000

I really have no sympathy for folks who choose to eat so restrictively when they don’t have to. I have celiac disease and my cousin has a nut allergy and we both feel really guilty for making everyone cook so we can eat the food, but we will be very sick if we don’t. Usually I just bring my own meals to spare my family the trouble of trying to cook for me when they are already working so hard. I think it is totally self-righteous and ridiculous that anyone would be offended if their family had a turkey on the table. Grow up, make your own food, and don’t expect people to go out of their way because of your “choice”. You should feel lucky that you aren’t forced to avoid foods because you have allergies or autoimmune diseases.

By: OrganiKooK

OrganiKooK — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 01:47:18 +0000

All great advice Colleen. Our family is generally supportive, they may not always understand, but they are always trying to accomodate. They don’t always know how to accomodate, but at least they try. I just be sure to always bring enough of a dish for me to eat, as well as my picky kids, AND whatever it is that they wanted me to bring. It is not always good for the pocketbook, but at least I and my kids can eat! Happy Holidays to all!

By: Jentri

Jentri — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:26:23 +0000

Very thoughtful post. And indeed, it is a challenging thing to deal with in terms of tradition, and much of what you described. Aware friends, and a movie, I AM ANIMAL opened my eyes and positively changed my life. I highly recommend it to those who are on the fence about exploring vegetarianism, but aspire to live a better life all the way around.

By: Kendra

Kendra — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 14:56:40 +0000

Great post. My family has always been fairly hostile to my vegan lifestyle and this post reminds me to not be hurt by their reaction. I have never been defensive towards them, but I have always been deeply hurt by their anger and confusion. Just as I seek their understanding, so should I give it. After a decade with my lifestyle, I can say that my family has started to adjust their recipes to my needs, i.e. leaving the pig fat out of the green beans (yes, I am a southern girl). Patience and understanding do pay off!

By: OrganiKooK

OrganiKooK — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 01:19:46 +0000

The holidays can be very tricky. I try to bring enough to feed at least me, (one or two dishes that I will eat as a vegan) and a few other adventurous people. I very rarely come home with any leftovers, not just because I am a great cook(which of course I think I am) but because others are interested, they are just afraid or just don’t know how to cook for us because they think it is soooo different, which of course it is not. Now that was quite a run on sentence, but I couldn’t help myself! Peace

By: callie

callie — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:46:46 +0000

I think this is a great blog. Although my family and friends work very hard to support my choices I have to understand and support thiers. I dont know about all of you but for some that holiday turkey or ham means a ton of man hours for the money and a ton of work for the cook so as much as I would rather have my pumpkin stuffed with nuts and cornbread stuffing my way.. I always try to be appreciative.. not make a show and let them all know how much I appreciate thier meal when it is thier time to cook. We rotate. This means that although I dont eat it.. I may rave over how wonderful it smells and how (wink) I am missing out for my health if asked.. other than that I pig out on the basics that I can have and let them all know it is all delicious. I keep the diet talk down to a minimum on the holidays and let the tension ease up. It is stressful making that meal. I love the ideas you laid out and hope that everyone has a wonderful holiday with tons of green beans and veggies.. and LOVE>> Callie

By: Niki

Niki — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:39:47 +0000

What a great post. It is so true that you go through a huge consciousness shift that you can’t turn off. It’s nice to know it’s not just me!

By: Michelle Peters

Michelle Peters — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 20:39:58 +0000

Great Blog. It captures perfectly exactly what I go through on Holidays. Surprisingly, it is my 82 year old grandmother who understands my choices best. I, too, will be spending the Holiday with my meat eating family. There will be turkey AND ham, oh my! And so, I have offered to bring a vegan feast. I’m using recipes found on http://www.vegan.com. Specifically, Stuffed Winter Squash (Im in love with Kabocha!),”Cream” of Pumpkin Soup,Green Bean Casserole, and a yummy cranberry relish. I might even try the Thanksgiving Loaf, that is made with oats,grains, ground nuts and seeds…and is so so yummy! No Tofurkey on this table!

By: Aviva

Aviva — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:41:56 +0000

I have offered to host numerous times, but my mother-in-law wants to control the menu… ie., must have turkey, must have brisket or no one will feel satisfied. We will be taking our “main” dishes to share to someone else’s home. Brown and wild rice with chestnuts, roasted squash and kale. So pretty and a whole meal in itself! Hoping to show that it’s possible to have a happy belly and a clear conscience. Thanks, Colleen!

By: Elle

Elle — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:32:41 +0000

Great post! My husband and I are fortunate to be having Thanksgiving at his aunt’s home, who so graciously leaves butter out of the vegetable dishes now, and just puts butter out for the others to add themselves. Thanks for sharing the Thanksgiving Tart recipe, Corinne.