What’s Your Holiday Coping Strategy? by Maureen Tierson, VLCE

Take this quiz to find out!

It’s November, and you know what that means. It’s time to make merry like Santa’s elves and go, go, go to fun parties with family, friends and co-workers. Here’s a little quiz to help you see what your holiday coping strategy is and see if you want to change it up. Go Vegans!

You receive text from your very carnivorous bro. He’s having the big gig at his house and is thrilled to say that he will be frying an extra big bird for Thanksgiving this year. You respond with…

1. Hey Bro, sorry. Can’t make it. Thanks so much! Love ya!
2. Ignore the text. If you can’t say anything nice…
3. Don’t worry about me. I’ll bring my own meal. Just put me at the opposite end of table from the turkey.
4. It’s bad enough that y’all are eating animal flesh and celebrating it. Do you really have to make a spectacle out of it? I really don’t know how we’re related!

It’s office party time, woohoo! Your secret Santa gives you a big box of Swiss milk chocolate truffles. Repulsed and disappointed at the same time, you …

1. Respond with, “Thanks Genius!” and do the virtual gag to let him know how badly he screwed up, drop the box on the floor and stomp all over it.
2. Tell the giver that the packaging is so pretty and then say a little prayer over it and throw it in the trash when you get home.
3. Tell the giver, “What a sweet gift!” Not lying; it is literally, full of sugar. No big deal. You knew what to expect. You discreetly give it to one of the workers at the event.
4. Say, “Awe thanks! Unfortunately, I won’t be eating any of that because it came from the suffering of beautiful sentient animals.” Then, proceed to explain the terrors of the dairy industry. Merry Christmas.

It’s holiday open house time. Eggnog, hot cocoa and cookies for all! It all looks so festive, but of course, you won’t be having any of it. The hosts are so happy to offer their delights!  You…

1. Say, “Mmm. Thank you!” Take it in your hands and ditch it in the nearest trash can. Hopefully they don’t notice that your smile was more of a smirk.
2. Change the subject every time someone tries to get you to eat or drink something.
3. Predicted this. You stashed your own cookies and vegan cocoa mix in your bag. You discreetly mix up your brew and happily munch on your vegan cookies. Happy Holidays to you!
4. Smile and say, “Um. No thank you. Consuming food and drink that animals have suffered for the making of is not my idea of holiday cheer. Merry Christmas, anyway!”

Your adorable niece and nephew ask you to read their favorite Christmas story to them, ‘Twas The Night Before Christmas. This is right up your alley!  You love Christmas, kids, and reading stories.  Then you get to the part about the reindeer…

1. You say, “Wow, Santa. Way to show the kids how kind you are, abusing those innocent reindeer by tying them up to your sleigh and making them fly through the freezing winter sky while hauling the weight of you, the sleigh and gifts for all the children in the world.”
2. You skip that page and seamlessly move right through the poem before the kids notice any difference. If they do notice, you play the unaware, “What? I don’t know what you’re talking about,” putting the book on the high shelf.
3. You change the words to the story on the fly, incorporating a kinder, gentler Santa, “Hey my reindeer friends, this year, I’m showing my appreciation by hiring a private jet and bringing the elves along to help with the deliveries. We’ve got it covered!”
4. This is a great opportunity to share your knowledge of animal abuse of racehorses, carriage horses, and Santa’s reindeer! Your smart niece and nephew need to know what’s really going on. Perfect!

If you answered mostly…

1: One question: Sarcastic, much?

2: Come on now, is avoidance really the best way to deal with conflict? Pull up those meditation tracks to relieve the stress.

3: Your motto is to be prepared. Way to go!

4: You go, Vegan Activist, and you will probably be asked to leave from all of these events.

Remember, you’ve got this! Happy Vegan Holidays!

 

Maureen Tierson is a Vegan Lifestyle Coach & Educator. Her passion is to make the world a better place by showing more people that being vegan is doable and joyful! She lives in Rochester, NY with her beloved rescue pup, Zuzu, where she also creates and rents costumes nationwide through her business, The Costume Room for school theater productions and teaches English to children in China online. Follow her on Instagram @joylovevegan and Facebook,  and visit her on the web at joylovevegan.com.