The holidays will soon be upon us and there's nothing better than the food that is served this time of the year. Unfortunately, the holidays also have the potential to cause great anxiety for vegans because of the pressure of being in a family situation. These tips will help you get through (and enjoy) the holiday food experience this season.

• How do I prepare? I once read in one of my favorite vegan support books, Vegan Freak, that "meek vegans suffer". What does this mean? If you expect people to inherently cater to your new needs, you aren't going to get what you want. You must be very clear about your needs. You must be willing to ask for substitutes or willing to make and bring your own. In the case of being vegan, most people do not know what that means. Simply defining veganism can be extremely helpful. In any case, it's an adjustment for everyone in your life, but you have to be at the forefront of that adjustment. No one is going to go out of their way to take care of you and learn about your restrictions when they have twenty other people to please. Communicate and plan, and you'll be fine.

• I don't want to do away with traditions! You don't have to completely get rid of your old traditions when you eat differently at holiday dinners. Making mock versions of old holiday favorites is one way to maintain traditions. Another way is to simply create new traditions! The first year will probably be tough, but keep in mind that you can create new traditions for yourself by making new dishes that are just as extravagant and decadent as their counterparts. Make them once a year and in a couple of years, you'll come to expect those particular dishes as ones that are now fondly surrounded by holiday memories.

• How do I explain my choices? First of all, be confident. Second of all, do your research. Understanding and knowing why you've decided to make a change will be everything when you're trying to justify and explain your decision to others. It will also serve you well if and when you begin to second guess why you are putting yourself through the trouble of eating vegan at Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Being confident in your choice to live a healthier life will make others more confident that you're doing something good for yourself. Backing up your reasons with research and facts is even better.

• What if my family gets angry with me because I won't eat the turkey? First of all, your family probably isn't going to actually get angry with you because of your dietary switch. They may seem angry, but it's likely that they are more uncomfortable than upset. Change makes just about anyone uneasy, especially when it comes to healthy dietary changes. You can unintentionally make others feel guilty about their own food choices simply by explaining your own or choosing not eating particular dishes. This discomfort and guilt is usually what upsets people or makes them argue with you. Keep that in mind when you start feeling the heat from family members and you'll feel more at ease.

• What if someone brings up my diet while everyone is eating their meal? Try not to talk about it if you can. You'll create more hostility towards your diet by talking about it while people are eating. No one wants to hear about how the turkey was treated before it got to the dinner table or how much fat and growth hormones are in the buttery, cream-filled mashed potatoes when they're sticking it in their mouth. ing abrasive will get you no where, except in an argument. Instead, politely say, "I'd love to talk about it after dinner if that's okay with you". They'll get the point and you'll let them enjoy the meal they're choosing to eat, while you get to enjoy the meal you're choosing to eat. Fair enough?

Overall, try to be understanding of your family members shock about your new diet. Don't get defensive, don't get upset. Your family loves you and they're just trying to understand. They will come around and you never know, in time, maybe you can be a healthier influence in their diets too!