Christmas is right around the corner, and with Christmas comes feasting.  Many will undoubtedly find themselves clamoring around the dining room table looking at a plate stocked full of holiday goodies, wondering if they’re going to be able to put down all of the food jammed onto their plate, or perhaps worrying whether or not any of their favorite treacle tart will be left when they’re ready for seconds.  Christmas time feasting is often associated with meat, be it a Christmas ham, turkey, or for the finer taster, lamb.  

However the holiday season is not always as welcoming to vegetarians and vegans as it is to omnivores, and some vegetarians may feel left out in more carnivorous families.

 Fortunately, the wide array of vegetarian and vegan dishes is only growing, and one need not look far to find something that suits him or her. 

Susan Mann, Parkview’s English III Honors teacher, has been an “imperfect vegan” (meaning that, “If somebody puts a brownie in front of me, it will probably find its way into my mouth, regardless of a little egg”) for approximately a year and a half, and she has been coping with the inevitability of sharing meals with non-vegans ever since.

However, for Mann, the holiday season has not deterred her from maintaining her vegan diet.

“Some family favorites are off limits,” Mann said, adding that’s she’s learned to take matters into her own hands. “I’ve [been able to get] into the habit of bringing my own appetizers and side dishes to family meals.” This is a useful tactic for a practicing vegan or vegetarian to learn. 

Being a vegan or vegetarian can be for everyone regardless of one’s love for meat. In fact, it’s fairly easy to make vegan or vegetarian versions of your favorite foods and treats. 

“I make vegan versions of lasagna, spinach artichoke dip, and other comfort foods,” said Mann, and as far as sweets go, “holiday treats like cranberry salsa and fruit salads with pomegranate are also good this time of year.”

Senior Jacob Carlew, a vegetarian, has found that it is easier to stick to his diet by eating ‘fake’ meats like veggie burgers.

“I’ve been able to rid myself of my cravings for meat by grilling Morning Star veggie patties,” said Carlew.  Morning Star, a brand that specializes in creating meatless meats, has everything from veggie bacon to meatless chik’n nuggets.  Veggie burgers and other vegetarian options are often available at restaurants downtown; however, once you flee the left-wing downtown scene, the options become few and far between. 

“Making a mental map of which restaurants can serve me and which of those that can’t is invaluable to my survival,” explained Carlew.

Maybe people who’ve thought about going veg but wrote off the idea might finally give it a try. There will be some very grateful pigs, turkeys, and chickens.