If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you know how a Christmas or New Year’s dinner with nonvegetarian family members can put a bit of a damper on your spirits. But what if getting a menu change were as easy as writing a letter?

Several people recently shared with PETA how they convinced (quite easily, to their enormous surprise!) their families to join them in starting a new tradition—holiday meals without suffering. With sincere, gracious letters and e-mail messages, they simply explained why celebrating meat-free means so much to them. Read them and see!

If you’re not sure how to put your feelings into words, please feel free to incorporate elements of these persuasive letters into your own. Offer to cook dishes. Share recipes and cooking tips, too, to show how easy and scrumptious vegan holiday feasts can be. You can also order “Meet Your Meat” from us to show your family during this holiday what really goes on behind the walls.

Celebrations without suffering make family gatherings all the more meaningful—and can save both animal and human lives. Write or e-mail your family today with an honest and heartfelt message. You may be surprised at how things turn out!