Sorry for posting a horrific picture. But there is a reason.
Of course to so many Brits this is a delicious Christmas treat, part of a tradition that they’ve enjoyed with their families since they were kids. That used to be me. Then one day I realised not only that this was a sad sight – a dead bird on a plate, with its feathers ripped out and scalded in the oven until it makes a rather dry and tasteless bit of flesh to eat in Christmas Day (or Thanksgiving if you’re in the USA). I used to eat it at the family gathering of the Old Folks but I never really thought much of it, to be honest. I ate it to be polite and being part of that tradition thing felt quite good. Well, traditions have a lot to answer for – and are not a good justification of cruelty and waste.
These poor animals – millions of them every year – never get to fly – in fact most of them can’t even walk, during their pathetic lives while they are obscenely fattened to be slaughtered to make money at the festive season. A few years ago I’d had enough. No more cruelty on my plate at Christmas.
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Here for a different way to look at Christmas dinner. This was us last year. We don’t bother with ‘replacing’ meat – it isn’t necessary for health, no matter what they tell you. My missis cooks fabulous veg, and to me this is what I look forward to at Christmas. My body feels better. And so does my conscience. We all make our own journeys in our own way – we’re all at different points along the line … but it’s made me really happy to see my own children heading the same way this Christmas. I’m not done. My journey is still in progress.
Cheers folks – and have a good Christmas season no matter how you enjoy it.
Bri
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