Veganism is growing more and more popular with people embracing plant-based diets more than ever this year, so there will be even more people hosting vegan Christmas parties this year too.
While some may think this to be a strenuous task or an added stress at the busiest time of the year we spoke to some people who will be having a vegan Christmas this year about their festive plans.
“Having a Vegan Christmas is definitely a lot easier than people would think,” Amy Gormley said.
“For Christmas dinner, there are so many mock meats now that taste exactly like turkey, if not better! Every year I get the “Cheatin’ celebration” roast which includes cuts of cruelty free “turkey” and “pigs in blankets,” said the 21-year-old from Donegal.
Amy who has been a vegan for almost three years and vegetarian for two before that credited the food market today for opening up to the idea of veganism and stocking food that is readily available and convenient to buy as opposed to when she first started almost five years ago.
“I think there was definitely a gap in the market that most food companies have taken advantage of.”
Aisling Tuck, better known on social media as ‘Oh Happy Veggie’, runs a successful vegan food blog, has accumulated thirty thousand Instagram followers and has recently launched her own vegan catering service last week.
Dublin based Aisling said this will be her fourth Christmas as a vegan and while her family isn’t vegan too they all love and enjoy what she makes along with their own traditional Christmas food.
Reiterating how easy it is she said “I feel you can go all out with fancy food or make it as easy as you want it to be. I usually roast loads of different vegetables & potatoes, make salads and something like a nut roast or a veggie pie.”
Sorcha Fitzpatrick from Dublin will be enjoying her third Christmas without meat, second as a vegan and stated that she doesn’t have an issue with eating alongside non-vegans as long as they extend the same respect to her choice of food too.
“Eating Christmas dinner as a vegan is the same as eating any other family meal, I think if I took issue every time anyone ate meat in front of me I’d probably be eating dinner on my own,” she said.
However, Aisling spoke of an ‘awkward transitional period’ when she began veganism.
“By going vegan you’re basically saying ‘I think your diet is unethical’ to those around you which can cause tension. I used to feel very frustrated that family members wouldn’t go vegan with me but have come to realise you can’t make someone vegan no matter how hard you try and it’s not worth the battle.”
She continued that while she would love everyone in her life to be vegan too, it’s not going to happen through any judgment or pressure.
Dubliner Sorcha, who had Christmas dinner hosted by her Aunt last year said she never wants to be an inconvenience to others and tries to be as accommodating as possible. She advises clear communication and helpful tips to the host on what to make and stating that the only time veganism is limiting at the festive feast is when you haven’t made the effort to discuss dinner options and alternatives.
“The key to it all is making your family aware,” she concluded.
So while it may mean adjusting some family favourite recipes slightly, or substituting the butter from the potatoes, hosting a vegan Christmas dinner this year isn’t that difficult at all, especially when products are more accessible to buy and you can now order your vegan desserts from business ‘Oh Happy Treats’.
Simple solutions that could save any potential heartbreak of no spuds or desserts at Christmas for vegans, saving you from one row at least at the dinner table.
Katie Gallagher,
Image credit: pixabay