7 Hints to Help Newbies Survive (and Celebrate) a Vegan Thanksgiving

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You’re nervous. 

Thanksgiving seemed easier when you weren’t plant-based. Handling minor family squabbles isn’t nearly as challenging as asking to replace decades-old recipes.

You’re worried.

What if your loved ones pester you with questions about your “diet” that you can’t answer? What if they don’t approve of your choice and make food you can’t eat? What if you feel alone in one of the places you’re supposed to feel connected?

You’re frustrated.

Why can’t everyone be at the same stage you’re at with this plant-based journey? Why do you have to be the first? And why the heck is the Thanksgiving centerpiece a turkey anyway?

But let’s be honest. 

Most of all?

You long for a celebration that brings your loved ones together, even though you have something different on your plate.

How do we do that? Let’s find out.

Here’s how to celebrate a vegan Thanksgiving (even if you’re surrounded by carnivores).

1. Prioritize Your Thanksgiving

All your stress and worries surround what to put on the plate this Thanksgiving. But let’s be mindful of what’s truly important to us during this holiday.

This is a time of thanksgiving. Connecting with loved ones and reflecting on our many blessings remind us what we are thankful for.

When we leave Thanksgiving parties, it’s usually the people we remember first. Not the food. With your priorities in perspective, what’s served on the plate won’t overrate them.

2. Communicate Clearly (and Kindly) with the Host

We dread this conversation, but we can’t shy away from it. Once invited to Thanksgiving dinner, be honest with your host(s).

They’re nervous too! We’re asking them to include foods they’re not used to, change traditions and accept opposing beliefs at their table so we can have a plant-based Thanksgiving.

If your host is open to trying vegan replacements and making new vegan-friendly dishes (like mine was), be sure to thank them! Small actions like those are big steps for them and a comfort to you.

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3. Carry Some of the Burden

Sure, it would be easier if our hosts went vegan. But it’s impractical and rude to expect them to carry the entire weight of our dietary needs.

It helps if we pitch in. Offer to bring something to share. Or purchase the replacement ingredients to save them time at the store. Or see if any of your local restaurants offer to deliver a vegan Thanksgiving meal.

Last year, I made (vegan) mashed potatoes. It was a win-win-win. The hosts cooked one less item. The non-vegans still enjoyed mashed potatoes. And I ate my favorite dish without worrying about the dairy.

4. Wait to Nix Your Usuals

When our traditions are threatened, we get defensive. So when you tell mom not to make her three-generation-old green bean casserole, it’s no surprise she doesn’t agree.

Don’t toss all your family favorites out the window. When planning for a plant-based Thanksgiving, find ways to veganize them! And if you can’t, make or buy substitutes.

For example, our family always eats steamed artichokes and dip, so I made the family classic vegan. I also veganized our pies, veggies, and rolls. And bought a vegan roast.

5. Practice Your Table Talking Points

You’re dreading the assault of questions: Why aren’t you eating turkey? How will you get your protein, iron, B12, etc.? Why not eat turkey today and go vegan tomorrow?

Talking about veganism is kinda like talking about politics. Neither usually makes peaceful dinner table talk. While watching others eat meat sparks anger, sadness or distress, chances are, you’ve eaten turkey before, too.

We can’t control what others say or eat, but we can try to steer the conversation towards topics that unite our loved ones rather than divide.

6. Break from Tradition if that’s Easier

Not eating the traditional holiday meal can be upsetting for you and your hosts. If it’s easier, try something totally different.

Make pizza. Or tacos. Or vegetable soup. Have a plant-based Thanksgiving that doesn’t mimic turkey and potatoes. Or start a tradition that’s not centered around food. Have a game night. An art party. Whatever sounds fun!

Change is hard. But new traditions can be exciting. For example, with the pandemic last year, my family grilled vegan pizzas for lunch and stayed outside.

7. Check in with Yourself this Season

Be kind to yourself, friend. We’re still new to this. We don’t have to show off vegan food or make a huge vegan spread.

We don’t need to impress anyone. And we don’t need to convince them to go vegan either.

But sometimes it feels that way with all the questions we get. So when overwhelm sets in, it helps to take a deep breath and be mindful about why we choose to be vegan. And what Thanksgiving is really about. 

You Can Survive—and CELEBRATE—a Vegan Thanksgiving

Ready to ditch those worries, nerves, and frustrations surrounding your holiday meal?

You can. 

Imagine gathering around a table with friends and family, catching up, and connecting with them. 

Imagine your plates piled high with all sorts of foods—that you all find yummy. 

Imagine sitting next to people who have different beliefs, but not worrying because the warm glow that love and acceptance light in your heart shines brighter.

You can get there. 

It’ll be challenging. And I can’t promise it’ll be easy. There are bound to be disagreements. Hurt feelings. Maybe even tears. 

But don’t give up. Being with your loved ones on Thanksgiving is worth it. 

After three decades of eating animal products, my husband and I (and our three young kids) worked with our non-vegan extended families to create replacements, try new recipes, and alter traditions. And now, the holiday meal is more than enjoyable — it’s fun!

Ready to celebrate a vegan Thanksgiving with the ones you love most?

I raise my glass to you, friend.

You’ve got this!

Cheers!
~Chelsea

P.S. Looking for more Thanksgiving fun? This thankfulness craft is a heartwarming way to show gratitude to kids.