Making Holiday Memories With the Food Allergy Pivot
Whether you are celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or simply time off this winter, the season is perfect for creating cherished memories. However, managing food allergies and related conditions can also feel overwhelming during this chaotic time of year. There’s no need to give up on the holidays! Instead, do the “food allergy holiday pivot” to make the most of the holiday season.
Create New Traditions: If you can’t go to your cousin’s seafood feast, create a new tradition with family or friends, such as a taco night or baked potato bar. Offer to bring a safe holiday favorite to share with everyone at a family event. Even better, suggest getting together to create non-food memories, such as crafting, hiking, decorating holiday cookies, or a snowman-building competition.
Just Say No: It’s okay to say no to food or events when the situation creates risk and more stress and worry than good times. Instead, say yes to family time and staying healthy. Explore ways to say no and tackle holiday stress by visiting FAACT’s Holiday Podcast center to learn how to get confident in setting boundaries and discover a few stress reduction tips. Younger children can learn to say no through our Family Activities at Home, “Get the Sillies Out, Learn to Say No Thank You” activity.
It’s All About Memories: The best childhood memories are based on the people you were with—not the treats served at an event. You can still enjoy the treats if you pivot to a delicious allergy-safe choice for your family.
Online Exploration: Surf the internet or ask friends for new recipes or activities. Visit FAACT’s Pinterest Boards for ideas. Grab your apron and never forget the power of food presentation. Serve allergen-safe cookies in holiday-themed cupcake holders, for example. The concept is to focus on what you can do—and do it well! For example, consider buying your favorite store-bought allergen-friendly cookie or pretzel, dip it in melted allergen-safe chocolate, sprinkle it with your favorite crushed hard candy, and you have a festive treat your family can make together and take to a party.
Holiday Activities: The internet is overflowing with ideas for games and activities for every holiday. Hanukkah Scavenger Hunt anyone? Poll the family to find what excites them. Do they crave a giant puzzle or a new board game? You might be surprised. Stop by FAACT’s Preparing for the Holidays Center to discover tips for managing the holidays and specific holiday explanations, links, and free downloadable crossword and word-search puzzles for Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa.
The recipe for celebrating the holidays safely starts in your heart. Add a splash of fresh ideas, creativity, and possibly a little boundary setting (delivered with love), and you can create cherished moments with your loved ones that last a lifetime.
Your FAACT family wishes you a safe and healthy holiday season.
