I’m a vegan, and the holiday months have, in the past, been a time of guilt and anxiety for me. I became a vegan 14 years ago, and nearly every year since, I have been judged and often ostracized by family and friends for not eating meat and dairy-laden desserts. It took nearly 10 years for my family to come around and finally accept that this is who I am, and that I can’t be guilted into going against my beliefs.
Often at holiday dinners I would eat an Amy’s frozen vegan TV dinner while my family members feasted on turkey, gravy, stuffing, and pies. I wouldn’t feel thankful and often felt ashamed of who I am and uncomfortable sitting at a table surrounded by dead animals and dairy.
Over the past four years, though, whoever is hosting the holiday meal will usually prepare something vegan for me so I won’t feel left out. I really appreciate these efforts to include me; they make me feel loved and accepted.
But this year, in addition to my family meal, I’m throwing a holiday party myself with a vegan menu. Despite mainstream doubts, vegan holiday cooking doesn’t have to be expensive, time consuming or bland. I’m not a big fan of vegan cooking that tries to imitate meat dishes. Tofurky, to me, tastes spongy, bland, oily, and not enjoyable. My vegan friends and I love cooking that emphasizes seasonal, organic vegetables. Preparing dishes that are savory, colorful, textured, and easy is key. Sautéed garlic Brussels sprouts, mashed Yukon and sweet potatoes, and wild mushroom casserole are holiday favorites of ours.
Seasonal veggie dishes are often healthier than traditional holiday plates, because vegetables don’t leave me feeling tired, sick, and guilty. Every holiday season I hear people talk about “breaking” their diet or ruining their health due to these holiday feasts. But I never feel guilty after a vegan meal, in fact, I feel like I’m taking care of myself.
I’m sure many people have special diet restrictions and feel anxious and guilty over the holidays when family and friends expect traditional behavior of eating meat and sweets, and being overindulgent. I think everyone could try to be more understanding of others, since this is the time of year for compassion. We should all make time to take care of ourselves during this stressful season, without worrying over how others will judge us.
Jessica Belluomini
