The KInd Life Community Forum

Have you thought about calling the host/hostess of the events you plan to attend and asking them what they might like you to bring? Whether they want you to bring a side, dessert, beverages or some rolls, you are showing that you are eager to contribute. This may make it easier on the day of when you politely decline turkey.

Depending on how close to the host/ess you are, you could also have a conversation in advance (like, now) about your diet and let them know that you are thrilled to be a part of their celebration but you want to make sure you don't end up spending the whole dinner asking whether the beans have meat stock in them.

Food gifts are great! You could make vegan hot cocoa kits (make your preferred blend of coco powder and sugar, put it in a pretty cellophane bag, tie a candy cane to the bag, etc), soup kits, a yummy snack mix, or make some bars or cookies. There are tons of vegan options out there!

When I switched to a vegan diet, I let my friends and family know, not only to avoid uncomfortable situations at visits, but also because they are part of my life and I wanted to share the good news with them. Although they were all carnivores (at the time, wink-wink), they were very supportive, and went out of their way to allow me to share great vegan foods with them and they even made special dishes for the family that were vegan. So long story short, don't assume things will be difficult. These ARE the people that love and care about you the most. Maybe they will surprise you!

This is also my first vegan holiday season. Even though I'm going to my mothers, and my family knows of my choice, they still seem to smother butter on everything and think nothing of it. I know its going to be difficult but I was thinking of buying her a tub Earth Balance Butter to try before the holidays, and when they notice there is no diffrence, maybe she would consider using that instead. At least this way I can enjoy the veggies that she makes. Other than that, I'm pretty lost as to how I'm going to get through dinner myself.

I am SO excited about the Veggie Brothers website. I like the recipes in The Kind Diet but don't have the time or creativeness to cook them. I just ate a peanut butter sandwich because I am hungry but am on the run. SO I will be ordering a freezer full of the Veggie Brothers food.

Nicole - good question. And the answer is a resounding yes! It does, in fact, get better. :)

The thing is - you have to continually remind yourself that you are doing a wonderful, positive thing by eating/living vegan and that you are a kind, good person for choosing to live this way. People are going to get defensive and judgmental, and if you can accept that and forgive them of their ignorance before even getting into a discussion with them, you'll be able to come out of it a happy person as a result. I had such a tough time with family members and friends when I first went vegan - but you wanna know the funny part? So many of them are now vegetarian - and even vegan! - as a result of seeing me live this way positively and joyfully. Example: Last Christmas, my brother smacked me with a package of bacon as a way of making fun of me for being a vegan. Fast forward to now - he, my sister, and my mom will all be enjoying Tofurky, not turkey, on Thanksgiving - at his suggestion! Additionally, my mom has gone vegan, my husband has gone vegan, my mother-in-law is almost vegan, my sister is also almost vegan, my brother is completely vegetarian, and my step-mom has stopped eating land animals! The list goes on and on...

I didn't know how to handle people at first, but it got better and better as I realized that their projections - their worries for you being "healthy" or their judgmental looks - are really only because they themselves feel threatened by your choices. And that's probably because they know deep down that something is wrong with eating animals. So, I would suggest being as positive, loving, and joyful as possible, no matter who you are around. Find a short, kind way to answer the common questions, keep a smile on your face, and I promise - if you keep it up, there will be a ripple effect you never expected. :)

Love and support,

Lindsay, Kiss Me, I'm Vegan!