Surviving and Thriving During the Holiday Season as a Vegan in the Middle East

The holiday season across the Middle East is a time of warmth, family gatherings, and feast. It is also a season of social rituals: relatives surprising children with pets as gifts, families planning outings to zoos or animal shows, and communities gathering around traditions that often involve animals. For vegans, these moments can bring challenges: tables filled with traditional animal-based dishes, social expectations, and the occasional raised eyebrow. Yet this season doesn’t have to be about “survival.” With creativity, confidence, and compassion, it can become a time of joy, connection, and even advocacy.