Good food matters - everybody knows that - which is why sharing a meal with loved ones is one of the most rewarding experiences we can have. In fact, if there’s one thing many vegans find difficult it's giving up beloved, food-oriented traditions like Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner. These celebrations are important to many because they offer a chance for family and friends to come together and share in something special. More than that, they connect us to our pasts and with the scents, smells, and flavours that remind us of years gone by.

That being said, going vegan doesn’t have to mean giving all this up. While, for many, no substitute can replace the Thanksgiving dinners of their childhoods, there are still plenty of recipes out there that will evoke everything you love about this time of year. And so, without further ado, here are our three top tips for celebrating a vegan Thanksgiving.

1. Spices & Smells

In many ways, nostalgia is all about the nose. Some scientific research suggests that, of all the senses, our sense of smell is most closely connected to our memories, and if you’re looking to create that perfect Thanksgiving feeling then you should definitely take advantage of this phenomenon.

When choosing your recipes, whether it's a nut roast or stuffed marrow, make sure to pick something with lots of delicious herbs and spices for that iconic, Thanksgiving aroma. That way, when guests walk through your door, they’ll instantly be greeted by the kind of warm, familiar scent they know and love.

2. A Seasonal Smorgasbord

Traditionally, Thanksgiving is the last chance for autumnal foods before we buckle in for Christmas, so what better way to celebrate it than by finding some fresh, seasonal produce?

This year, why not make the vegetables the star of the show by heading on down to your local farmer’s market and picking out some gorgeous, freshly grown produce? With a selection of soups and stews highlighting the best fall foods available, your guests won’t be able to restrain their excitement at this mouthwatering treat.

Alternatively, you could try your hand at a vegan sweet potato pie. Simply swap out eggs and butter for aquafaba and cornstarch, and you’ve got yourself a delicious dessert that will set the perfect mood at this year’s celebrations.

3. Make New Memories

Last but not least, it’s important to remember that Thanksgiving, at its core, is about being thankful for what you have. For many, that means looking to the past, but it’s equally important to enjoy the present while making new memories for the future. With that in mind, if you’re new to veganism and you’re feeling a little down about having to change up your seasonal celebration, just remember that this is a chance to reinvent the way you celebrate. And who knows, maybe your friends and family will be so charmed by your cooking that they decide to give the vegan lifestyle a try for themselves?

So this year, let's say goodbye to Turkey and hello to the many wonderful opportunities that vegan cooking has to offer!