We get it: The holidays can be tricky for animal lovers.

However, it’s also a time that is centered around love, compassion, and community. A time that is actually perfect for reflecting and adding to one’s holiday traditions like adopting a turkey — instead of eating one.

Last year, Americans consumed roughly 68 million turkeys during the holiday season. Some equate eating turkeys with the holidays themselves — calling Thanksgiving “Turkey Day.”

At Farm Sanctuary, we honor turkeys as individuals and encourage everyone to skip the turkey and choose compassionate (and delicious!) plant-based fare instead.

Here are four reasons to leave turkeys off your plate:

Now for some good news: You can change lives by supporting our Adopt a Turkey Project today!

Since 1986, thousands of Farm Sanctuary supporters have symbolically adopted a turkey for the holiday season.

With a one-time $35 gift, you’ll help us care for Elsa "The Best Friend," Roberto "The Adventurer," Galadriel "The Graceful," George "The Homebody," or Sandy "The Sweetheart." Your support also helps us work to combat animal exploitation and build a more just and compassionate food system.

Thank you for expanding your holiday traditions in ways that are kind to all.

With gratitude,

Farm Sanctuary

P.S. Want to spread your giving wings a little further? You can also adopt the whole flock for $150.

P.P.S. Which of our Adopt a Turkey spokesturkeys is your inner turkey? Take our quiz to meet your bird bestie.