Oh, Crap! A Vegetarian is Coming For the Holiday Dinner

This time of year always makes me uneasy. You know that feeling in your stomach that is a mix of excitement and nervousness? The holiday season is filled with family laughing, children playing, rejoicing, offering thanks, singing, opening gifts, tasty morsels of vegetarian delicacies, seeing childhood friends, scents of peppermint and spice and... meat! UGH.

Each year, I so look forward to getting together with family and spending time with those that I love; yet, at the same time, I anxiously dread the celebratory dinner meal. Being vegetarian during this time is very difficult. And, it isn't just me; my lifestyle seems to make others a bit uneasy too. The big bird or round roast on the table makes me so uncomfortable along with the distinct odor it sends soaring into the air.

Vegetarian Dishes

Then there is the questioning, and the looks that make you feel like such an outsider. "Why are you vegetarian?" "You won't even eat chicken?" "Do you know what you are missing?" Now, no one tries to make me feel bad, but it is just natural to feel uncomfortable when it is so clear that you are the odd (wo)man out. But the worst part is that you know that the host is nervous b/c he or she doesn't' know what to serve to accommodate your vegetarian needs. I never want to make anyone else feel badly because of my nutritional decisions. But, I can usually see it in someone's face during the holiday dinner...."oh, crap. a vegetarian is coming for dinner."

What is the solution to this vegetarian holiday dilemma? Well, I am not sure. But, for the first time, this year, I have declined on the family invitation to dinner and am going to stay home to make a smorgasbord of vegetarian dishes including a vegetable wellington, cranberry/apple stuffing, green beans, butternut squash casserole, cranberry sauce and lots of other dishes.

Then, I will go to the family celebration for dessert, where I will bring a vegan delicacy that will knock the socks off of everyone! This way, we can have all the fun of laughing together, opening gifts and being grateful for our life's' blessings without having to be uncomfortable because of culinary preferences. Now, I don't know if avoidance is the right solution, but I certainly am thankful this year that I can give it a try!

Oh, Crap! A Vegetarian is Coming For the Holiday Dinner

Sarah Knudson, owner of TalkVegetariansecrets.com is a lifetime animal advocate who has mastered self-created techniques to overcome society's resistance to the vegetarian [http://www.talkvegetarian.com] lifestyle. To learn more about how to easily transition and sustain a cruelty-free life through vegetarianism including new recipes, sign up for her newsletter at: [http://www.talkvegetariansecrets.com]

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