Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We are those "kids" 30 years later...still vegan and now with 2 vegan grandchildren in tow. Just so you have a crystal ball. We have always brought something we could eat and in the early days It wasn't an issue but watching my mil cater to every other dietary preference that has come along over the 30 years but put no thought into anything that might work for this limb of the family tree really irks me...we now have gluten free options, heart healthy options, no (insert the food) options...WE still bring our own vegan food.

We are also the only kids who offered to and then moved back when my Fil was diagnosed with dementia.

mjedra is a favorite of ours...lebanese lentils, and rice...

Fad veganism is an imposition.

Health related diet requirements is not.

So "health " related for people who have no real health issues is not an imposition?

Our "fad" vegan diet is health and environment related. Always has been.

My father died at 44 from a heart attack. My mother has had diabetes since she was in her 30's. Paternal grandmother, breast cancer. Paternal grandfather, heart attack (not sure how old he was-he died before I was born so maybe late 40's, early 50's), Maternal grandmother high blood pressure, diabetes, stroke, and stomach cancer.

Me, so far at almost 50, none of the above . All of their diseases were diagnosed before 40...except my father who died without any diagnosis and my grandmother's stroke which happened at 50...

The one thing I have not been lucky with so far is Thyroid disease, which both my mother and her mother had. And in fact my surgeon has said because of the family history my kids should be screened starting at 18.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The OP didn't complain so this is directed at some of the mean PPs -- what's so wrong about having a few vegan dishes on the table for a close family member? It's not that unusual or difficult, and in fact it's healthier, cheaper and more humane. For the record I'm not vegan or vegetarian.

Most people don't have problem with being a vegan.
Most people have a problem with the rude entidled adult women calling the host the day before and demanding to have xyz on the table.
A polite guest would say " Mom. Sarah and I have recently decided to go vegan. We're going to be bringing a couple of dishes with us. I hope you don't mind! See you soon!


OP good then say " no worries i've got lots of vegetables I can set xyz aside for you all or is there something you'd like me to make?" or " That's great see you on Christmas."

Then on Christmas they could talk about new and exciting recipes and plan and get excited for the next family dinner.

That's what adults do and it's a lot different than demanding you mommy cook you something different or you aren't coming to dinner.

Said no one ever.

Anonymous wrote:The OP didn't complain so this is directed at some of the mean PPs -- what's so wrong about having a few vegan dishes on the table for a close family member? It's not that unusual or difficult, and in fact it's healthier, cheaper and more humane. For the record I'm not vegan or vegetarian.

Most people don't have problem with being a vegan.
Most people have a problem with the rude entidled adult women calling the host the day before and demanding to have xyz on the table.
A polite guest would say " Mom. Sarah and I have recently decided to go vegan. We're going to be bringing a couple of dishes with us. I hope you don't mind! See you soon!


OP good then say " no worries i've got lots of vegetables I can set xyz aside for you all or is there something you'd like me to make?" or " That's great see you on Christmas."

Then on Christmas they could talk about new and exciting recipes and plan and get excited for the next family dinner.

That's what adults do and it's a lot different than demanding you mommy cook you something different or you aren't coming to dinner.

All I can add at this late stage to you al before December 25 is to bend. Invite your love ones to investigate what's in your refrigerator and cupboard and counter.

Life is so much more than how we see it. Bend a lot.

Happy Holiday's Everyone.

The OP didn't complain so this is directed at some of the mean PPs -- what's so wrong about having a few vegan dishes on the table for a close family member? It's not that unusual or difficult, and in fact it's healthier, cheaper and more humane. For the record I'm not vegan or vegetarian.

Anonymous wrote:
Whichever way you slice it, it's rude to say that a couple of days before the actual meal.

OP would be perfectly justified in responding that she can only make one vegan dish, and they'll have to bring the rest.

If the adult child has a problem with that, they need to mature... a lot!

Amen!

Whichever way you slice it, it's rude to say that a couple of days before the actual meal.

OP would be perfectly justified in responding that she can only make one vegan dish, and they'll have to bring the rest.

If the adult child has a problem with that, they need to mature... a lot!

At this stage I would add some extra vegetables.

Anonymous wrote:which is news since Thanksgiving. They’re both former athletes, eat a lot and previously big meat eaters. But my question is what do I do about Christmas dinner that’s big on meat and seafood — What do I have for them?

There are a lot of different opinions here. You can obviously adopt a rigid response and let them pick at your string beans for dinner. This would of course be reasonable given the short notice they've given, but it would also be a statement. I agree with a PP who suggested that it might be your last family meal with your daughter if you take a hard line. You can also try to incorporate a few new side dishes that are 'animal product' free. Keep in mind that they're young and all of this animal-free, gluten-free, etc. hype is huge these days. They should have given you advanced notice, but it is what it is. Perhaps, you can also ask your DD and her girlfriend to be sure to bring a couple bottles of sparkling or wine?

A bowl of pasta with tomato sauce and fake meatballs.

I'd roast vegetables without bacon (sad face), and add rice and beans plus no cheese in the salad.

Anonymous wrote:We are those "kids" 30 years later...still vegan and now with 2 vegan grandchildren in tow. Just so you have a crystal ball. We have always brought something we could eat and in the early days It wasn't an issue but watching my mil cater to every other dietary preference that has come along over the 30 years but put no thought into anything that might work for this limb of the family tree really irks me...we now have gluten free options, heart healthy options, no (insert the food) options...WE still bring our own vegan food.

We are also the only kids who offered to and then moved back when my Fil was diagnosed with dementia.

mjedra is a favorite of ours...lebanese lentils, and rice...

Fad veganism is an imposition.

Health related diet requirements is not.

Anonymous wrote:I would add black beans and rice to whatever you are making (or something similar).

Then I would tweak the sides so that it does not have animal byproduct in it. Unless it is a family favorite that others would be upset.

It is also fine to ask them to bring something or ask your daughter to be in charge of making something.

Do not tale butter or cheese out of the sides you make.

Salad.

Roast or saute a veggie in olive oil.

Give them some money like PP suggested and have them make a grocery run for an acceptable dish.