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Hosting Thanksgiving
Started
by Alexis
on September 29, 2012
My husband and I are new to his family's area and are buying a house there (Michigan). I'd like to offer to host Thanksgiving but immediately everyone thought that they'd bring non-vegan stuff and it would be OK. I had to correct them and say that I can not have animal products in my house. I don't know if this is going to be accepted. Many meat-eaters have the opinion that they let us be vegan, so we should let them be meat-eaters, but I feel since it is my home I shouldn't have to compromise. I believe I could make a fantastic meal but these folks are quite set in their ways and like their basic fair the way they have always made it and are not adventurous with trying new things or eating many vegetables for that matter. Maybe I shouldn't even bother?
I would suggest that you make an alternative to the typical dishes. A male friend did that. So in the table there was a turkey made by his mom (a meat-eater) and his vegan version made of seitan with a better sauce with mushrooms, etc. He put in a lot of effort to make it look like "meat" cooking it with red wine lol, it was kind of pink, and well everybody was delighted with what he did and ended up eating that one and not the other. And that was also an opportunity for them to try vegan food. I think that people choose what tastes better in these cases
I've been having the issue of whether or not it is wrong for me to host Thanksgiving but not offer to make a turkey? I've struggled with this the last few years, as we always host, and my husband thinks I should but I don't think I should have to. I tell our families they can bring whatever non-vegan dishes they would like to bring but I won't be making anything that isn't vegan. Is it ok NOT to make a turkey for the non-vegans (everyone but my husband and I)?
I host every other year, but don't COOK any meat. Someone brings the turkey, and I make everything else vegan. If someone really wants cream in their mashed potaotes they make it and bring it. I "OK" having meat in my house as it's an opportunity to get together with family and friends, and that seems more important (to me) in the big picture. It's a symbolic evening of togetherness and acceptance. ...and a secret opportunity to show your family how GOOD vegan food is!
Maybe wait and see what they decide. I think it's perfectly okay to speak up for how you want your own Thanksgiving if you are hosting it in your own home. They might freak out at first but if they really miss their turkey then they can make one and have it in their own home that evening or the next day. It should be more about getting together than if they get their meat and dairy meals on the table.
I wouldn't feel pressured and rather just continue as if everyone is fine with it unless they speak up ... hopefully they'll surprise you.
Good luck!
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