Have Yourself an Allergy-Friendly Christmas | Allergy Companions

By Liljia Polo-Richards

Christmas is a special time of year for many—it’s a time to gather with loved ones, catch up with those you haven’t seen in a while, and reflect on the year gone by. However, for someone with food allergies or coeliac disease, the holiday celebrations can bring a mix of excitement and anxiety. The “food part” of Christmas often requires extra planning and consideration, and it’s essential that those hosting or organising meals and gatherings take dietary restrictions into account.

If you’re organising a Christmas meal or gathering, or if you’re attending one, here are a few tips to help ensure that everyone can join in the fun without worry.

If you’re planning a meal out with family, friends, or colleagues, and you’re concerned about finding a restaurant that suits everyone’s needs, here are some simple steps to make the process easier. Our Dining Out with Allergies guide is a great starting point, full of helpful hints and tips on how to ask the right questions when booking a table, what to watch for before and during your visit, and how to make sure your meal is safe from allergens.

Planning a Meal at a Restaurant

Here are some great tips:

• Ask the right questions upfront.
  If no one has volunteered information about food allergies, ask openly, “Do I need to be aware of any allergies?” or “Is there anything anyone can’t eat?” Many people are still hesitant to speak up about their allergies, so by addressing the issue first, you make others feel more comfortable opening up. This can help everyone feel included and reassured that their needs are being considered.
  
• Reach out to those with allergies.
  If someone mentions an allergy, ask them about their favourite restaurants and where they usually feel comfortable eating. If there are multiple allergies (or different types), you’ll need to consider a place that suits everyone’s needs. This shows you’re being considerate and taking their concerns seriously, which will help you choose a suitable venue.Dietary restrictions may also stem from religious beliefs, so be open to any suggestions that people may bring up.
  
• Research potential restaurants.
  Once you’ve shortlisted a few options, check out the restaurant menus online—especially the allergen menus. This can give you a good indication of whether the venue can cater to specific allergies. For example, a pizza restaurant might not be ideal for someone with coeliac disease due to the high risk of cross-contamination, and Asian cuisines like Indian, Thai, or Japanese may not be suitable for guests with nut or sesame allergies. You can also browse our website to find some lovely recommendations from our community.
  

Planning a Party at Home or at Your Office

If you are bringing treats to share at work or hosting a gathering at home, try your best to make sure everyone can enjoy what you’ve prepared.

There is often a tendency to buy separate food for those with allergies, but this can make people feel left out as they watch everyone else enjoy the same treats they can’t have. Instead, aim to offer options that are safe for everyone, not just one person. Sharing the same food and experience is a great way to make people feel included and valued.

And don’t forget about drinks—make sure there are some alcohol-free options available, as not everyone can or wants to drink alcohol.

With so many allergy-friendly options available these days, you’re sure to find treats that will make everyone feel included. You might even make someone’s Christmas by ensuring they can enjoy the same foods as everyone else!

Thank You

Thank you so much for reading this blog. I hope you found these tips useful and that they help make your holiday celebrations a little easier and more inclusive.

If you enjoyed it, please share it with your friends and family!

Wishing you a fabulous and allergy-friendly Christmas!

Love,
Liljia xx