| Holidays mean large family gatherings and even | | | | away the strain and awkwardness from your |
| larger amounts of food. All those typical and | | | | hosts before the party is underway. |
| decedent edibles will be cooked up, dressed up | | | | So, opt to inform your hosts that you are a |
| and served amongst families and friends, but | | | | vegetarian, but would love to attend their party |
| what's a vegetarian to do in such a standardized | | | | and enjoy the bill of fare they have planned. Make |
| food situation? Coming to a party or family | | | | it clear that you are easily pleased with |
| gathering where there is limited options in food is | | | | vegetarian-friendly food. Doing this pre-party |
| rather unwelcoming and can be awkward to deal | | | | notification stuff allows for a polite RSVP, but also |
| with for a vegetarian. But you, my vegetarian | | | | ensures that your hosts are aware about your |
| friend, have a few options in dealing with holiday | | | | vegetarian dietary needs. It's a win win situation. |
| food pitfalls. | | | | Prepare and Bring A Dish: |
| One option includes letting yourself go hungry at a | | | | Show your hosts you care and appreciate their |
| party or selectively picking off eats from finger | | | | invite with a nice gift upon arrival. A classy bottle |
| food platters. But, who would want that? A | | | | of wine or a poinsettia would be perfect. Even |
| mature and reasonable second option would | | | | better, and more relevant to your eating situation, |
| involve politely informing your host's that you | | | | bring some food to contribute to the celebration. |
| stick to a specific vegetarian diet, which they can | | | | Be the bearer of a tasty gift when entering your |
| plan accordingly for ahead of time. Your last | | | | holiday party atmosphere. |
| option, and probably your best bet, includes | | | | Choose to prepare and bring a dish of your own, |
| bringing a party favor you can eat, a dish that's | | | | a la vegetarian, of course. This will make certain |
| vegetarian friendly. | | | | you'll have something to eat, since you brought it |
| Don't Be That...Vegetarian: | | | | yourself. Additionally, you will have added some |
| For your own sake, don't arrive to a holiday party | | | | refreshment variety and culture for other |
| with the assumption your vegetarian lifestyle will | | | | unexpected guests with your vegetarian dish. |
| be catered to. Doing so is rude and will most likely | | | | Make sure to make your dish accessible to |
| result in going hungry or meagerly snacking at the | | | | everyone though; keep simplicity in mind rather |
| holiday bash. And who wants to not eat at such a | | | | than ornateness when preparing your vegetarian |
| festive event? | | | | dish. |
| Be better prepared prior to a holiday party or | | | | Please, don't let the holidays halt your |
| family gathering. Consider others first, especially in | | | | vegetarianism. Rather, incorporate your dietary |
| letting them know about your specific situation as | | | | ways into the holiday mold and do some |
| a vegetarian. | | | | vegetarian tweaking. Despite the difficulties, it is |
| Inform Your Hosts, Mr. or Mrs. Vegetarian: | | | | worth it. Just remember to plan ahead prior to |
| If you're invited to a holiday party where meats | | | | holiday parties and family events. Either send |
| and non-veggie items will be served inform your | | | | word of your vegetarian lifestyle to your hosts or |
| hosts way ahead of time, not a day or two | | | | prepare a self-made vegetarian plate for the |
| before your arrival. It's the courteous thing to do. | | | | party. Either way, your hosts will be pleased with |
| This will make you at ease come the actual party, | | | | your politeness. Now you have no excuse to not |
| since you'll then be able to actually eat vegetarian | | | | go to a holiday party. Be festive and enjoy, |
| -provided your hosts oblige- but it will also take | | | | vegetarian friends! |