How to Stay Vegan on Thanksgiving

Fun fact: my first time being fully vegan was on Thanksgiving. You can imagine the amount of stress that put on my mom as she tried to figure out how to cook enough food for me (she's the real mvp).

I know that it may be tempting to cave when literally every single Thanksgiving dish is non-vegan. But stay strong, young padawan. A huge part of the holidays is the feast and it is something most Americans look forward to each year. If this is your first Thanksgiving as a vegan, challenge yourself this year to celebrate the actual holiday instead of the meal. Focus on all the things you are grateful for and put more effort in blessing the people in your life. Pray for those who don't have a place to go to or a meal to eat during this holiday. Maybe even take it a step further and do something about it. (i.e. invite people over, volunteer, donate food, etc.

If you feel that you are going to slip up, bring your own food! Either offer to make a side dish and bring it to share with everyone else (pro tip: don't tell them it's vegan - they won't even notice) or make your own meal at home and bring it to the party. If you have something to shove in your face, you won't be craving the poor turkey. Or if you're up to it, host your own vegan feast!

How to survive the roast (I mean you):

Stand firm in what you believe in

Be prepared

Be forgiving

If you are going to be with people who haven't already had this talk with you, you are going to be put on the spot. People will ask you a seemingly endless amount of questions. They will judge you and maybe even tell you straight-up that they don't approve of your decisions. Have your answers ready! They will hold more respect and will think your decision more valid when you can tell them exactly why you choose to live this lifestyle. Most important of all, don't let other people's opinions get to you. This is your life and no one else's. What other people say doesn't matter. Don't pick a fight over it, it's not worth it.

"Forgive them, for they know not what they do."

-Luke 23:34

Just a little encouragement, haha.

I hope you have a fun and wonderful Thanksgiving. I know that the thought of facing the food and questions is dreadful, but start thanking God for everything in your life. Remember the reason for the season. This is my first Thanksgiving away from my family and I am really sad about it. But I am praying for the both of us! May you be content with all that heaven has blessed you with.

Remember always, always, always: may your compassion be greater than your appetite.