[Lotus]

"Snarky comments" ... LOL.

I'm the only veg in a huge family that all get together for the holidays. I get lots of "missing out" comments, and "you're nuts, this is delicious" comments.

You won't hurt anyone's feelings if you're tactful, like Erin described. If you get lots of "why????" questions shot at you, it's usually easier to say that since dropping animal products, you feel a lot better. Whatever you do... don't cite any stats. Trust me... citing research will invoke a 16 to 1 debate which you probably aren't equipped to defend against at this period in time.

PETA sent me a Tofurky last year when I won a "turkeys are cool" story contest last year (or the year before? I don't remember when it was.) Tofurky is not something I'd normally buy, but it's not bad.

Make yourself responsible for your meal. If you just take some apples and grapes, everyone will look at you and think that veganism implies poverty. Go all out -- make something so tasty that even the omnis will be wanting it. I always try to take several vegan dishes, like Erin suggested, and I share them. Also take a dessert... even if you don't eat much (or any) of it. People tend to be particularly weird about missing out on sweeeeeets.