The KInd Life Community Forum

Hi everyone! I live in NYC, but I'm visiting family in Texas for the holidays. I'm just a little worried about how to get through Christmas dinner with my extended family. My grandparents always cook us a holiday feast. Ham, turkey, stuffing, bacon bits in the salad, cream in everything, you get the idea.

I know this is a common issue, and usually I don't worry about offending anyone with my food choices, but food is SUCH a big deal to my family and literally the focus of everything we do. On top of all this, my grandparents are actually in the farming industry. So I feel bad spouting off all my newly acquired animal rights information. I think it would make things very uncomfortable, and that's the last thing I want to do on Christmas Eve.

Does anyone have any tips on how to best deal with this situation? Should I bring a couple of dishes? I feel like I should stick to simple dishes if I do anything. These people are picky all-american fried food eaters. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks for your help, everyone! :)

Mikah, I leave for my Texas Christmas tomorrow, and I'm nervous! My plan is to stop by a grocery store as soon as I arrive to get some good greens-n-things! I may make the amazing peanut butter cups while I'm there so I can have a holiday treat too. Just not sure I can find vegan chocolate chips or carob chips where I'll be, but we'll see. I'll just be fending for myself so I'll be able to get away with sneaking carrots and nuts and things to tide me over if I get in a sticky fod situation. Would the family be open to a crock pot full of Alicia's delicious Eggplant Chana Masala?? It's so yummy and chili-like that it may be a great way to sneak in something kind and delectable to eat and share! Best of luck!!!!

You need to sneak in sides that seem "normal" to them. I'm with you not neccessary wanting the rock the boat at christmas. When you are at other peoples home and they've worked hard on food for you, I think it is disrespectful to bring up your habits and the why's. It took many of us a lot of time to come to where we are, we can't expect our families to just 'get it', esp. the older generation. Many of us in the midwest, me included, had family that farmed, and maybe didn't grow up with a lot so they are grateful for the meat, dairy & such. I just posted a recipe for kale that I took to a party last night full of older people and they loved it! I also love to make butternut squash soup, totally seasonal and vegan. Roast split squash for like 45 minutes, puree, add to a pot and add veg. stock until good consistency, add salt and pepper, finish with soy butter, top with toasted pumpkin seeds. really simple and yummy. you could also do sweet potatoes, use soy butter and brown sugar, what about just a simple potatoes gratin? use a little soy butter and soy cheese, veg. stock instead of cream, it's not as heavy but really good. good luck! I feel your pain.