Two years ago, I broke my father’s heart when I declared that I was officially a vegetarian. I have never been a fan of meat. The concept of it grossed me out, and I could take or leave the taste. After watching several documentaries on the meat industry in my AP Environmental Science class my senior year, I decided to give up what meat I did consume for good.

Even though I do not participate in eating the turkey, ham, or various meat-centered dishes over the holidays, I can promise you that I do not starve. Here is a list of traditional holiday delectables that I look forward to over-indulging in at this time of year (all thanks to my grandparents and mom’s gourmet cooking). Share these foods with your worried vegetarian friend to reassure them that they can participate in holiday feasting:

1. Vegetarian Stuffing: made with love, without chicken broth or sausage, just as bready & delightful as the meat kind

2. Mashed Potatoes: hold the gravy, add more butter

3. Cranberry Sauce: whole berries, mix it with the stuffing. I dare you!

4. Green Bean Casserole: some people’s least favorite, but my weakness

5. Shrimp Cocktail: yeah, yeah I eat seafood & I love it. Give me all of the shrimp!

6. Veggie Platters: don’t forget the spinach/sour cream dip!

7. Egg Plant Parmesan: all-time vegetarian favorite!

8. Sweet Potatoes: I highly suggest you add marshmallow’s on top to make it less healthy.

9. Tossed Salad: salad is one of my favorite food groups.

10. Egg Nog: If you do not like egg-nog, I cannot trust you.

11. Pie: luckily for me and for fellow veg-heads desserts are all vegetarian! Eat up!

12. Christmas cookies!: Sorry Santa, you’ll have to do without the chocolate chip cookies again this year because they are all mine!

Happy Holidays to all of you turkeys!