How do I explain qurbani to my non-Muslim family?

Explain it as a yearly act of gratitude and charity that remembers Abraham's devotion to God, where most of the meat goes to family, friends and people in need. Start with the story, then the sharing, then the care for the animal. Most families find it far less strange once they hear it framed that way.

Start with a story they may already know

Many Western families know the story of Abraham from the Bible. In the Quran, Abraham (Ibrahim) sees in a dream that he must sacrifice his son, and both father and son are ready to obey. At the last moment, God stops him and provides a ram instead (Quran 37:102-107). Qurbani, also called udhiyah, remembers that moment every year at Eid al-Adha. You can say: "It's about being willing to give up what you love for God, and God showing mercy." See What is qurbani and do I have to do it?

It's about sincerity, not blood

Families sometimes imagine it's an offering to "feed" God. The Quran says the opposite:

لَن يَنَالَ ٱللَّهَ لُحُومُهَا وَلَا دِمَآؤُهَا وَلَـٰكِن يَنَالُهُ ٱلتَّقْوَىٰ مِنكُمْ "Their meat will not reach Allah, nor will their blood, but what reaches Him is piety from you." Quran 22:37

The point is gratitude and sincerity. The animal becomes food for people.

Where the meat goes

Traditionally it's split into three parts: one for your household, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor.
Many converts in Europe and the USA pay a charity to do the qurbani in a poorer country, so the meat feeds families who rarely eat meat.
You can mention that this is one of the largest food-giving events in the world every year.

Answering the animal welfare question

This is often the real worry, so take it seriously. In the West, qurbani is done by licensed slaughterhouses or charities, never in a back garden. Islam requires the animal to be healthy, well fed and treated gently. The Prophet ﷺ said Allah has prescribed excellence in everything, so when you slaughter, sharpen the blade and spare the animal suffering (Sahih Muslim 1955). Scholars also say not to sharpen the knife in front of the animal or slaughter one animal in front of another. See Is halal meat cruel?

Keep it calm and simple

You don't need to win a debate. If someone is vegetarian or uneasy, respect that, and point out that you can do qurbani through a charity overseas without any slaughter near home. Invite them to the Eid meal so they see the joy and the sharing, not just the idea. See Can I invite my non-Muslim family to Eid?

Key points

Qurbani remembers Abraham's devotion and God's mercy.
God receives the sincerity, not the meat or blood.
The meat is shared with family, friends and the poor.
Islam requires gentle, careful treatment of the animal.

Tip: Show your family the charity page where you booked your qurbani, with photos of families receiving meat. Seeing where it goes usually answers more questions than any explanation.