Holiday Guide for Parents with Allergic Children

The holidays are a time for joy, celebration, and making memories with family and friends. But as a parent of a child with food allergies, you may wonder how to balance all the excitement with the need to keep your little one safe. You want your child to enjoy the festivities, savor the fun, and feel included, but navigating meals, treats, and gatherings centered around food can be tricky. 

With the right approach, you can make sure your child enjoys the season just like everyone else—without the worry. From communicating with hosts to packing allergy-friendly alternatives, there are plenty of ways to keep your holiday season festive and safe. 

In this blog, we’ll share five helpful tips to prepare for holiday celebrations, so your child can fully participate, and you can focus on the joy of the season. 

5 Tips to Prepare for Holiday Celebrations 

1. Communicate Allergies to Host 

Let your hosts know about your child’s food allergies well in advance of the event. This gives them time to adjust the menu or accommodate your child’s needs. 

Be specific when explaining your child’s allergies—don’t just mention “dairy” or “nuts.” If possible, provide a list of all ingredients or dishes that should be avoided.

Offer to help the host by suggesting safe meal options or even sharing recipes that are allergy-friendly. 

If your host is unfamiliar with managing food allergies, kindly explain the importance of preventing cross-contact during preparation, as well as how to read labels or ensure safe ingredients are used. 

2. Bring Safe Foods to Share 

Preparing and bringing your own allergy-friendly dish ensures that your child will have safe options to enjoy at the event. 

Choose a dish that your child loves, so they won’t feel like they’re missing out on the holiday treats. 

Pack enough to share with others—this can also help normalize the idea of allergy-friendly food and encourage inclusive conversations. 

Consider labeling your dish or keeping it separate from others on the table to prevent any accidental mix-ups during serving. 

3. Avoid Cross-Contact 

Prevent cross-contact by using separate utensils and serving dishes for your child’s food. This includes cutting boards, knives, and other tools that might have affected allergens. 

When attending a potluck, serve your child first to avoid accidental contamination as dishes are passed around or shared. 

Politely remind others not to use the same spoon for multiple dishes to keep allergens from spreading. 

Place allergen-safe dishes in a location where guests don’t need to reach over them with spoonsful of unsafe foods that might accidentally spill or fall into the safe dishes. 

You might also ask the host to set aside your child’s portion of the meal before any shared serving begins, to further reduce risk. 

4. Pack an Allergy Emergency Kit 

Always carry an allergy emergency kit with you, even during holiday gatherings. Your kit should include an epinephrine device and any other prescribed medications. 

Make sure that anyone caring for or serving your child knows where the emergency kit is located and how to use it. 

Ensure your child knows what symptoms to watch for and understands the importance of notifying an adult immediately if they feel unwell. 

It’s also a good idea to review your emergency plan with family members, so everyone is prepared in case of an allergic reaction. 

5. Create Non-Food Traditions 

Shift the focus from food to fun, engaging activities like crafting, decorating, or playing holiday-themed games that everyone can participate in. 

Plan family-friendly activities such as watching holiday movies, going on a winter nature walk, or exchanging homemade gifts to keep the festivities enjoyable and inclusive. 

Start new traditions that don’t revolve around meals, so your child doesn’t feel excluded from the holiday fun. 

Encouraging non-food-centered traditions can also help other family members understand that celebrations don’t always have to focus on what’s on the table. 

Do you want more food allergy tips for the Holidays? Click here to learn more! 

Celebrate Holidays Safely with FAACT 

The holidays are a time for joy, togetherness, and making special memories, but if you’re managing food allergies, safety is always a top priority.  

At FAACT, we’re committed to helping families navigate the holiday season with ease, so everyone—especially children with food allergies—can fully participate in the celebrations. 

We’re here to support you every step of the way, providing resources, tips, and guidance to help you create a safe environment for your family. Whether you’re hosting or attending a gathering, remember that with some planning and mindfulness, your child can enjoy the magic of the season without the worry of allergic reactions.

Let’s work together to make this holiday season joyful, safe, and filled with memories your family will cherish for years to come. 

For more detailed advice and comprehensive support, browse FAACT’s Caregiver’s Guide here. It’s filled with essential tips and strategies to help you confidently manage food allergies all year long. 

If you want to learn more about FAACT follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Threads, BlueSky, LinkedIn, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube!