Your Holiday Survival Guide: Which Vegan Role Will You Play This Year?

AfroVegan Society
Nov 4
2 min read

The holidays are coming, and with them come the questions, the comments, and the pressure. Navigating family dinners and social gatherings as a vegan requires a strategy! This year, don't just survive—thrive—by defining your role before you even walk in the door.

Take our quick quiz to determine which holiday persona best fits your goals, and get ready for a season of peace, joy, and delicious vegan food.

The Six Holiday Roles

Based on your personal tolerance for debate, desire for connection, and commitment to cooking, you can choose to embody one (or a combination) of these six roles:

Your Role	Main Goal	Key Action
The Host	Control the menu and turn skeptics into believers.	Cook an amazing, all-vegan meal for everyone.
The Sharer	Be inclusive and generous.	Bring a guaranteed crowd-pleaser (like vegan mac and cheese) for everyone.
The Preparer	Ensure you have satisfying food.	Pack your own plate/meal and backup snacks.
The Abstainer	Prioritize connection and peace.	Eat before you arrive and focus entirely on fellowship.
The Convertor	Spread information and challenge misinformation.	Attend ready to gently correct myths and answer questions.
The Ghoster	Prioritize extreme self-care.	Opt out of large gatherings and enjoy a solo or small, peaceful holiday.

The Holiday Role Quiz

Select the answer that best reflects how you want to handle the season this year.

When the host asks what you can eat, you:

A. Share three favorite recipes; I'll cook the main dish.
B. Ask what they're making, and bring a big vegan side.
C. Smile & say: Don't worry about me, I'll bring my own!
D. Politely decline the invitation, citing a prior plans.

A family member says, "You need some real meat!" You:

A. Explain that there’s plenty of protein in plant foods.
B. Change the subject and ask them for life updates.
C. Offer them a taste of the tasty vegan side you brought.
D. You already ate, so you just sip your tea and nod.

Your goal for this year’s gathering is to:

A. Showcase how delicious and satisfying vegan food can be.
B. Ensure everyone has a great time, including yourself.
C. Get in and get out without causing a fuss.
D. Use the opportunity to educate curious family members.

You are most comfortable attending an event when:

A. You are the host and have full control over the kitchen.
B. You know you have plenty of safe, satisfying food to eat.
C. You've already made the decision to eat beforehand.
D. You know the family is supportive and open to new ideas.

Your biggest fear about the holidays is:

A. Not having enough good food for yourself.
B. Getting dragged into a stressful debate about nutrition.
C. Having to cook everything from scratch.
D. Hurting your loved one's feelings by not eating the food.

When a coworker mentions they "could never go vegan," you:

A. Ask what the specific challenge is and offer some ideas.
B. Smile and say, "It's easier than you think!" And move on.
C. Say, "It’s okay! Feel free to try the cookies I brought!"
D. Listen, but don't engage - finish your day stress-free.

You are going to a friend's house where you know there may not be any vegan options. You:

A. Offer to bring a main dish and offer to cook for everyone
B. Pack some soup and a container of salad for yourself.
C. Let the host know you are focused on connecting, not food
D. Stay home and make your favorite meal to enjoy in peace.

The most valuable item you can bring to a gathering is:

A. A powerful book or documentary to share.
B. A dish everyone, vegan or not, will love.
C. Your own fully packed plate of food.
D. Your positive attitude and listening ears.

Find Your Primary Role

Total your points using the grid below. The letter with the highest score is likely your optimal role for this holiday season!

Question	A	B	C	D
1	Host	Sharer	Preparer	Ghoster
2	Convertor	Abstainer	Sharer	Preparer
3	Host	Sharer	Preparer	Convertor
4	Host	Preparer	Abstainer	Convertor
5	Preparer	Convertor	Host	Abstainer
6	Convertor	Abstainer	Sharer	Preparer
7	Host	Preparer	Abstainer	Ghoster
8	Convertor	Sharer	Preparer	Abstainer

Your Results!

If you scored highest in HOST: You are ready to lead with flavor! Take control of your holiday and showcase how incredible plant-based food is. Your confidence will inspire others.
If you scored highest in SHARER: Your strength is in connection. Your priority is to bring people together with generous, delicious food. Use your offerings to be the most popular person at the party!
If you scored highest in PREPARER: You value security and satisfaction. Your best strategy is self-reliance. Plan your plate, pack your bag, and guarantee yourself a delicious holiday with minimal stress.
If you scored highest in ABSTAINER: You are prioritizing your peace. Your strategy is all about fellowship. Eat well beforehand and focus 100% on the people and the conversation, not the food.
If you scored highest in CONVERTOR: You are ready for impact. Your goal is to educate. Choose your moments wisely, keep your answers simple and rooted in fact, and don't let debates steal your joy.
If you scored highest in GHOSTER: You are prioritizing your mental health. This role is pure self-care. It is okay to opt out of stressful situations and enjoy a quiet, joyful holiday on your own terms.