Thrive As A Vegan This Holiday

The holiday’s should be enjoyed – not something to be “survived through.” It feels like that sometimes though, right?

⏰ Shopping done? Check. 🎄 Tree decorated? Check. 📫 Cards Mailed? Check. 💰 Over budget? Check. 

OK, just joshing you on that last one.

As someone who’s avoiding meat and other animal products, it can feel like there’s another layer to the Christmas season. So much of the holiday has to do with special foods like cookies and roasts. 

Here’s a few ideas to make the next week more MERRY:

• Treat yourself to some specialty vegan foods. Home stores like TJ Maxx and Home Goods have surprisingly good selections. Another hidden treasure can be the “Gluten Free” freezer section of your grocery store. A lot of these are allergen friendly, which means no eggs or dairy 😊  

• Sometimes booze is the only vegan thing at the party – but don’t drink too much – you may get into the shrimp cocktail and WILL regret that later.

• Offer to bring something. We love “Pigs in a Blanket” with vegan dogs, and did you know most tubed croissants are vegan? Everyone loves Texas Caviar. Try this: 1 can each of corn, black eyed peas, black beans; and 1 green and red pepper and a small red onion; and to season add some garlic powder, olive oil, cilantro, S&P, and lime. Or, you can  mix horseradish with vegan cream cheese, spoon a dollop into a slice of Tofurky, roll like a burrito, and secure with a cocktail toothpick. I call these “Old Timey Beef Rollups,” they’re adapted from my grandma’s recipe.

• Or bring Grape Jelly Meatballs. Seriously. Put about two pounds of frozen vegan meatballs, a cup and a half each of grape jelly and chili sauce on low for 4-6 hours. When they’re done, mix about a tablespoon each of cornstarch and water together to blend and put in the slow cooker with the meatballs to thicken a bit. So good!

• Gift yourself some vegan-friendly items to help you in the kitchen. Here’s some I can vouch for (not affiliate links):
  • Tofu press
  • Good paring knife
  • Salad spinner
  • Small blender

• If you’re going out of town, consider bringing a few frozen meals. I’m heading to Buffalo, and froze a few things over the last two days: chili, lentil stew, and Mexican pasta. Another option is to do a small grocery order with oatmeal packets, vegan yogurt, fresh fruit, your favorite snacky things like popcorn or Chex Mix, protein bars, canned Annie’s soup, and some frozen burritos (most stores have them now.) Chances are your host will be relieved knowing that you’ll be fed. Feeding vegans can stress hosts out.

• Curl up with vegan hot chocolate. On the stove warm 2 cups non-dairy milk, 2 tablespoons each of cocoa powder and sugar, and a half cup chocolate chips. Enjoy!

Enjoy your friends and family, your traditions, any time off, and do your best to set yourself up for success. My biggest must have when travelling is alone time – and I’m not scared to ask for it!