December is here and Christmas is just around the corner. And sure—the festive season means gift shopping, office Secret Santa and re-watching The Holiday and Love Actually for the millionth time.

But Christmas also—and perhaps more importantly, means spending time with family and loved ones around the table. Food is an important part of the festive season, but for vegans, this part of Christmas often brings both stress and frustration.

The incessant teasing about what we eat and don’t eat. Your uncle who—every year, thinks he can change your mind and get you to try meat again. The constant comments about “lack of protein” and “eating grass”.

Sigh. Is it any wonder that we vegans would rather hide in the bathroom with a bottle of wine than face the nutritional inquisition once more?

No drama needed

The thing is—we all want the same when it comes to the festive season: to sit around the table with the people we love and enjoy delicious food, without having to defend ourselves or our food choices to anyone.

Luckily, there are steps you can take to avoid starving while also staying sane. This Christmas, try these five easy tricks to see you through December with limited suffering and zero family drama:

1. BYO

Sure, your family or friends can probably whip up something vegan for you, but chances are they might feel a little nervous about cooking something unfamiliar, or simply overwhelmed by preparing multiple dishes.

So why not nip this all in the bud by bringing your own dish or dishes to the party? For starters, you know you’ll have something you actually enjoy eating. And maybe some of your family members or friends will feel inspired to try a little of your vegan food… Simply leave it out on the table, looking delicious and watch them get intrigued enough to give it a go.

2. Answer questions politely (again)

Yes, it can be tempting to roll your eyes when someone asks you—yet again, where you get your protein from. But try to resist sighing loudly, no matter how tired you are of explaining.

For the sake of peace, answer the question in a non-judgemental way and consider that it might be the first time that particular family member or friend has ever thought about how vegans thrive.

You can list all the protein-rich foods that are easy to buy and eat. Or, if you’re hosting, use a nutrition calculator website (before your guests arrive) to work out how much protein you’re serving on Christmas Day. Having clear information on hand is an objective approach, leaving less room for arguments.

3. Explain, don’t Lecture

In the spirit of peace and harmony, a Christmas gathering is not the time for heated debates about animal agriculture or whether you can survive on plant proteins (which, of course, we all know you can).

Yes, it can be hard not to get defensive when someone questions your values or the way you live. But instead of anger, try compassion and understanding where they are coming from. Unless you were vegan from birth, you were once in their shoes too. Things we don’t fully understand can feel scary or foreign.

Food, festivities, and traditions are closely entwined. When someone suddenly stops eating the traditional foods we’re used to at Christmas, it can feel like a rejection of tradition—or even culture, to those around us.

In this case, calmly explain that it’s not about them or tradition but rather a personal choice you made after careful consideration, as eating animal products no longer aligns with your values. Reassure friends and family that you can still eat with them and enjoy most of the meal, swapping animal-based foods for vegan alternatives. It’s really not more complicated than that.

4. Teach by example

It can be hard to accept that others don’t see things your way once you’ve gone vegan. Knowing what we know about how animals are treated, how can anyone still wish to support these industries, right?

Read more 12 tips for a sustainable Christmas as a vegan

For the sake of a nice, amicable Christmas, try to be the vegan you wish you’d met before you went vegan. In other words, show them how amazing your lifestyle is without shaming them for theirs.

Positive activism offers people a glimpse into an inclusive lifestyle, rather than making them feel excluded. Even though you may feel uncomfortable with animal products being served at the table, Christmas Day isn’t the time to make the host or other guests feel bad or ashamed for their choices. Instead, focus on how delicious your vegan options are, talk about them enthusiastically and invite others to give them a try.

5. Agree to disagree and pour the (vegan) wine

Nicole Michalou/Pexels

The reality is you’re probably never going to win over everyone with your vegan ways. Much as we’d love to, learning to accept this is crucial to your own wellbeing and happiness—and your ability to navigate social settings.

Sometimes, you just have to agree to disagree and leave it at that—especially in a social setting where you don’t want to upset anyone, be it the host, the person you’re disagreeing with, or anyone else present.

Take a deep breath, remind yourself that Rome—and a fully vegan world, wasn’t built in a day and pour the (vegan) wine. Cheers!

If you enjoy our articles and want to read more of our content, check out clean, green and cruelty-free: Ireland is leading the way with vegan beauty. Perhaps take a look at running on plants: Harvey Lewis on ultra endurance, veganism and inspiring change. Or explore o Gambuzino Burger Clube: Lisbon’s new vegan hotspot for burger lovers.