A Vegan Christmas Guide

1. Festive Plant-Based Menu

Food is a major part of holiday gatherings, and creating festive, cruelty-free meals can be a beautiful experience! Nowadays, you can find a wide variety of recipe websites and blogs if you do a google search, and there are hundreds of vegan recipe books available for purchase. Most traditional Christmas dishes can be ‘veganised’ by using plant-based substitutes. If you prefer not to cook everything from scratch, there are many shop-bought options available in all major Irish supermarkets.

VSI member and volunteer Liz Wakefield has kindly submitted these tasty recipes:

Celebration Nut Roast with Lemon and Garlic Stuffing

Christmas Cake

Christmas Pudding

Tip: Try to source ingredients locally or buy organic to keep your meals sustainable.

Caution: A common misconception is that wine is vegan-friendly because it is made from grapes. However, historically, there are several animal-based products, such as casein, gelatine, egg whites and even fish bladder, used in the production process. Thankfully, there is now a wide range of vegan wines available. Ensure to check the label.

2. Eco-Friendly, Plant-Based Holiday Decor

Decorating for the season in an eco-friendly way can make your home feel festive without creating waste.

Sustainable Tree Options: If you need a tree, choose a potted, living tree you can keep indoors year-round, or opt for a second-hand artificial tree from a thrift store or charity shop.
Natural Decor: Use dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and pinecones for a rustic, natural look. Try garlands made from eucalyptus, holly or pine branches, which can be composted afterwards.
Avoid Plastic: Instead of buying ornaments, consider making your own from paper or wood or recycled materials.
Lights: Choose LED lights to save energy.

3. Kind and Sustainable Gift Ideas

Give gifts that are thoughtful, kind and sustainable.

Homemade Edibles: Prepare jars of cookie mix, granola or spiced nuts – or make your own chocolate truffles or jams.
Eco-Friendly Beauty and Skincare: Purchase cruelty-free and vegan beauty products. Brands that use compostable or recyclable packaging are a bonus.
Experience Gifts: Instead of items, give a voucher for a personalised experience, such as an online cooking class or a yoga session.
Vegan-Friendly Clothing: If buying clothing, look for brands that are vegan, use organic materials and follow fair-trade practices.
Charitable Donations: Give in honour of a loved one to an animal sanctuary, vegan advocacy group (like the Vegan Society of Ireland!) or environmental charity.
Adoption Programmes: Consider gifting an animal sponsorship to a loved one. Some animal sanctuaries, for example the Donkey Sanctuary Ireland, offer adoption programmes where you can choose to sponsor one of their animals. Your support will help buy food and medicine, pay for vets as well as help fund education.

4. Wrapping It Up Sustainably

Gift wrapping is beautiful but can also be wasteful. Try these eco-friendly options:

Reusable Wrapping Materials: Wrap your presents using scarves, cloth or reusable gift bags instead of traditional wrapping paper.
Compostable and Recycled Paper: If you love paper, choose 100% recycled or compostable options.
Natural Accents: Decorate gifts with rosemary, pine or dried flowers for a rustic and biodegradable touch.
Reuse: Save and reuse any ribbons, bows, gift bags or wrapping paper you receive for future presents.

5. Ethical Winter Wear

Whether you’re spending the holidays at home or out, you can stay cozy with ethical and warm winter clothing.

Vegan Wool and Down Alternatives: Choose warm coats, scarves and hats made from synthetic down or organic cotton, and avoid items made with animal products like wool, silk and leather.
Second-Hand Shopping: Charity shops offer a variety of Christmas jumpers and accessories that are both unique and environmentally friendly.
Plant-Based Fabrics and Leather: Look for organic cotton, bamboo or hemp as well as plant-based leather alternatives, which are sustainable and biodegradable materials.

6. Mindful Reflection and Giving Back

The holiday season is a wonderful time for gratitude and giving back.

Volunteer at a Shelter or Food Bank: Many shelters need extra hands during the holidays, or you can organise a food drive.
Donate to or Volunteer at an Animal Sanctuary: This can be a meaningful way to show kindness to animals.
Support Plant-Based Charities: Consider donating to or volunteering with organisations that support animal rights and biodiversity.

7. Christmas Traditions the Vegan Way

Look for ways to incorporate your favourite traditions with a plant-based twist.

Holiday Baking Parties: Have a cookie-decorating party with vegan-friendly icing, sprinkles and toppings.
Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a cozy hot chocolate bar with plant-based milk, vegan whipped cream and marshmallows, candy canes and dairy-free chocolate shavings.
Advent Calendar: Make your own advent calendar containing small gifts. Vegan chocolate advent calendars are also widely available in shops or online. You can even make an advent calendar for your pets with their favourite treats!

8. Connect with Nature

Spending time outdoors can be a magical way to reconnect with nature during the holidays. A winter hike or even a simple walk can be refreshing and mindful.

Bird Feeders: Create DIY bird feeders with natural materials to support wildlife during the winter months. Uncooked oats, cooked brown rice, raw sunflower seeds, wild bird seed mix, mealworms, fruit and raw peanuts are ideal for our feathered friends.
Winter Picnics: Bundle up and have a picnic outside, with vegan mulled cider and holiday snacks!

VSI Giveaway

Recently, we held a social media competition on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, asking vegans in Ireland for their top tips for a vegan Christmas.

Here is a selection:

“Give homemade food gifts like vegan truffles, jams or chutneys. Also gifts of an experience, which can be anything from a voucher for a local coffee shop to theatre tickets. Plant a tree – a gift that can outlive the recipient. Enjoy the many pre-made vegan foods now available to reduce stress and save time.”

“Keep it simple. There are plenty of pre-made vegan roasts and super easy to make most traditional side dishes vegan. If you are travelling to a non-vegan home, just make your meal the day before and bring it with you – most dinners taste even better the next day.”

“Using materials found on Irish beaches for creating amazing art pieces.”

“Shop local and check charity shops first!”

“Cruelty-free gifts, seitan roast, lots of store brand veggie/onion gravy granules are vegan-friendly too! If baking, jams can make a gorgeous glaze instead of egg wash.”

“Recycle, reuse and regift.”

“No matter how overwhelming the holiday season might become, just think of the reason you’re vegan and how it is all worth it.”

“You may face negative comments from family members over dinner. This can be hard but stick to your boundaries and remember that what’s on or not on your plate is because of your kindness and compassion for animals and the planet.”

“We have a tradition of making vegan Christmas cookies every year with our friends.”

“Don’t be fooled by vegan products by companies that still test on animals. The item itself might be vegan, but the ethos certainly isn’t! Do your research before purchasing.”

“Family meals on special occasions can be a great opportunity to show off some delicious vegan alternatives and introduce new traditions. Personally, I love supporting our local dog rescue charity in Galway – MADRA. Christmas is a big fundraising time for them as things can get so tough at their shelter over Christmas. I like to buy their annual calendar and as gifts participate in their dog’s dinner appeal.”

A Vegan Christmas Guide

1. Festive Plant-Based Menu

VSI member and volunteer Liz Wakefield has kindly submitted these tasty recipes:

Celebration Nut Roast with Lemon and Garlic Stuffing

Christmas Cake

Christmas Pudding

Tip: Try to source ingredients locally or buy organic to keep your meals sustainable.

2. Eco-Friendly, Plant-Based Holiday Decor

Decorating for the season in an eco-friendly way can make your home feel festive without creating waste.

Sustainable Tree Options: If you need a tree, choose a potted, living tree you can keep indoors year-round, or opt for a second-hand artificial tree from a thrift store or charity shop.

Natural Decor: Use dried orange slices, cinnamon sticks and pinecones for a rustic, natural look. Try garlands made from eucalyptus, holly or pine branches, which can be composted afterwards.

Avoid Plastic: Instead of buying ornaments, consider making your own from paper or wood or recycled materials.

Lights: Choose LED lights to save energy.

3. Kind and Sustainable Gift Ideas

Give gifts that are thoughtful, kind and sustainable.

Homemade Edibles: Prepare jars of cookie mix, granola or spiced nuts – or make your own chocolate truffles or jams.

Eco-Friendly Beauty and Skincare: Purchase cruelty-free and vegan beauty products. Brands that use compostable or recyclable packaging are a bonus.

Experience Gifts: Instead of items, give a voucher for a personalised experience, such as an online cooking class or a yoga session.

Vegan-Friendly Clothing: If buying clothing, look for brands that are vegan, use organic materials and follow fair-trade practices.

Charitable Donations: Give in honour of a loved one to an animal sanctuary, vegan advocacy group (like the Vegan Society of Ireland!) or environmental charity.

4. Wrapping It Up Sustainably

Gift wrapping is beautiful but can also be wasteful. Try these eco-friendly options:

Reusable Wrapping Materials: Wrap your presents using scarves, cloth or reusable gift bags instead of traditional wrapping paper.

Compostable and Recycled Paper: If you love paper, choose 100% recycled or compostable options.

Natural Accents: Decorate gifts with rosemary, pine or dried flowers for a rustic and biodegradable touch.

Reuse: Save and reuse any ribbons, bows, gift bags or wrapping paper you receive for future presents.

5. Ethical Winter Wear

Whether you’re spending the holidays at home or out, you can stay cozy with ethical and warm winter clothing.

Vegan Wool and Down Alternatives: Choose warm coats, scarves and hats made from synthetic down or organic cotton, and avoid items made with animal products like wool, silk and leather.

Second-Hand Shopping: Charity shops offer a variety of Christmas jumpers and accessories that are both unique and environmentally friendly.

Plant-Based Fabrics and Leather: Look for organic cotton, bamboo or hemp as well as plant-based leather alternatives, which are sustainable and biodegradable materials.

6. Mindful Reflection and Giving Back

The holiday season is a wonderful time for gratitude and giving back.

Volunteer at a Shelter or Food Bank: Many shelters need extra hands during the holidays, or you can organise a food drive.

Donate to or Volunteer at an Animal Sanctuary: This can be a meaningful way to show kindness to animals.

Support Plant-Based Charities: Consider donating to or volunteering with organisations that support animal rights and biodiversity.

7. Christmas Traditions the Vegan Way

Look for ways to incorporate your favourite traditions with a plant-based twist.

Holiday Baking Parties: Have a cookie-decorating party with vegan-friendly icing, sprinkles and toppings.

Hot Cocoa Bar: Set up a cozy hot chocolate bar with plant-based milk, vegan whipped cream and marshmallows, candy canes and dairy-free chocolate shavings.

Advent Calendar: Make your own advent calendar containing small gifts. Vegan chocolate advent calendars are also widely available in shops or online. You can even make an advent calendar for your pets with their favourite treats!

8. Connect with Nature

Spending time outdoors can be a magical way to reconnect with nature during the holidays. A winter hike or even a simple walk can be refreshing and mindful.

Bird Feeders: Create DIY bird feeders with natural materials to support wildlife during the winter months. Uncooked oats, cooked brown rice, raw sunflower seeds, wild bird seed mix, mealworms, fruit and raw peanuts are ideal for our feathered friends.

Winter Picnics: Bundle up and have a picnic outside, with vegan mulled cider and holiday snacks!

VSI Giveaway

Recently, we held a social media competition on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X, asking vegans in Ireland for their top tips for a vegan Christmas.

Here is a selection:

“Keep it simple. There are plenty of pre-made vegan roasts and super easy to make most traditional side dishes vegan. If you are travelling to a non-vegan home, just make your meal the day before and bring it with you – most dinners taste even better the next day.”

“Using materials found on Irish beaches for creating amazing art pieces.”

“Shop local and check charity shops first!”

“Cruelty-free gifts, seitan roast, lots of store brand veggie/onion gravy granules are vegan-friendly too! If baking, jams can make a gorgeous glaze instead of egg wash.”

“Recycle, reuse and regift.”

“No matter how overwhelming the holiday season might become, just think of the reason you’re vegan and how it is all worth it.”

“You may face negative comments from family members over dinner. This can be hard but stick to your boundaries and remember that what’s on or not on your plate is because of your kindness and compassion for animals and the planet.”

“We have a tradition of making vegan Christmas cookies every year with our friends.”

“Don’t be fooled by vegan products by companies that still test on animals. The item itself might be vegan, but the ethos certainly isn’t! Do your research before purchasing.”