In recent years veganism has soared by 350% in the past
decade, with more than half a million Britons adopting the lifestyle. I proudly
joined this number nearly a year ago and am coming up to navigating my first Christmas
period. Christmas can be a challenging time for vegans and their loved ones. Dinners,
drinks and gifts which would be your crimbo norm (Baileys, tins of roses and
pigs in blankets I am looking at you…) can all present a problem as ingredients and
materials may contain animal products without you being aware.
I am rising to the vegan Christmas challenge this year
and cooking for my 7 favourite people (well 6 people and 1 very precious bump) which
I am very excited about but wow has it been a journey! So in true Christmas spirit
I have compiled a handy list on how to enjoy a vegan Christmas this year.
The
luxury festive roast
Christmas dinner can be testing at the best of times, but
preparing a meal to accommodate a vegan diet can be even more difficult to
those not used to it. There are many delicious meat and dairy-free alternatives
to the traditional turkey roast on the market these days. The Nut Roast is brimming
with juicy nuts, pulses and porcini mushrooms, this wholesome dish serves as
the perfect replacement to the traditional meat roast and is bound to be a hit with
both vegans and omnivores. Although you may have given up meat, you may still
crave the taste or texture of it. When a nut roast just doesn’t seem adequate,
Tofurky’s vegetarian feast can satisfy your craving. Although described as
“vegetarian”, the roast is suitable for vegans and the 2lb stuffed Tofurky
roast is made with organic non-genetically engineered soybeans. They also make ‘pigs
in blankets’ which I am excited to try this year.
Cake and sweets
Just because
you’re vegan doesn’t mean you need to forgo sugary treats. There are vegan
alternatives to Christmas pudding, whether you want to cook your own or buy
one. Mince pies can also be suitable for vegans. Keen bakers can make their own
or check the packaging of store bought products. You could buy a fancy Christmas tin (mine was
59p from Home Bargains) and fill it will SFV sweeties in place of your tins of
Quality Street. Perfect for nibbling post festive feats snooze!
Alcohol
Many people are still unaware that alcohol is not always suitable
for vegans. This is because some products may have been made using
animal-derived products, such as fish oil, egg, isinglass and gelatin. Most
supermarkets now specify if their alcohol is suitable for vegans. Whether you
feel like treating yourself to a bottle of wine or want to give a bottle of
champagne to a loved one this Christmas, there’s a great selection of alcohol,
including beers and spirits, available at your local supermarket. My new favourite
is the M&S Butter Scotch liqueur – tastes just like Baileys but it is SFV.
Winning!
Cosmetics and toiletries gifts
Many cosmetics and
toiletries still contain animal ingredients and are tested on animals. But
there is still a wealth of both budget and luxury brands available on the high
street (Lush I am looking at you) and online that are vegan friendly and
cruelty free. Beauty Without Cruelty’s makeup range is extensive and has a
range of products to choose from. The leaping bunny logo is a sure way to know
whether a product is tested on animals. Cruelty Free International lists all of
its certified cruelty free products online in an easy-to-use search portal. People
for the ethical treatment of animals (Peta) also has a searchable database of
companies that do and do not test their products on animals. Animal Aid’s
online store features a range of makeup and toiletries that are vegan and not
tested on animals.
Clothing as gifts
Fur, leather, suede, wool, silk and down are not suitable
for those who have adopted a vegan lifestyle. Checking items of clothing and
accessories before purchase will save accidentally buying garments with animal
products in them and there are many animal-free alternatives available. Although
animal free alternatives can be found in most high street stores, this list of
some of the best vegan fashion brands shows just how many cruelty-free
accessories are available. Many fashion stores also used sweatshops in poorer
countries to produce garments for British consumers. Employees at these
factories are often forced to work in dire conditions for long hours and with
very low pay. A guide by the Ethical Consumer shows how high street brands fair
in the way they treat their employees. There are also a wealth off brands such
as Votch, Nat and Matt and Rocket Dog which make great SFV products.
Pets
as gifts
‘A dog is for
life, not just for Christmas.’
The Dogs Trust’s
slogan is as relevant now as when it was first coined 38 years ago. Adrian
Burder, Dogs Trust chief executive, said: “There is no denying that we’re a
nation of animal lovers, but sadly sometimes that love can blind people and
they may rush into getting a dog, often without ample research or even rushing
into a last minute online purchase.” Dogs Trust sees a flurry of animals
abandoned when the appeal of a cute Christmas puppy wears thing - and the charity
is not alone. Christmas is often the time of year when pets, particularly
puppies and kittens, are given as presents. But as these animals grow up and
the novelty of owning one wears off, the nation’s rescue centres are inundated
with unwanted pets. Those who want to introduce a new pet to the family are
urged to give the matter some serious thought and consider adopting an animal
rather than purchasing one from a breeder, pet store or online. There’s dozens
of rehoming centres across the UK. Dogs Trust, Battersea Dogs and Cats Home,
RSPCA and Mayhew are among some of the most well-known organisations.
