For some Australians, it wouldn't be Christmas without a sweet and smoky ham or a crispy pav.

But year after year, perhaps you've overindulged, and you're done with the prawns, the roast and the leftover ham sandwiches which live on well after Yuletide.

Ditching animal by-products and meat can open up the Christmas dinner table to a whole other realm of feasting, without skimping on any festive decadence.

Local vegan blogger Jessica Whalen celebrates Christmas in style. Credit:Jamila Toderas

Perhaps you don't know anyone whose Christmas spread includes meringues made with chickpea water or no-beef Portobello wellingtons, but Australia is the third-fastest growing vegan market in the world. So I warn you, the vegans are out there, and they're hell-bent on cooking up some good food.