Holiday Tips

It’s that time of year when holiday parties fill the calendar. Don’t let fear be the reason you and your family miss out on the opportunity to see family and friends during holidays. Here are some tips that could help make the season easier for your host and help alleviate some of the worries that go along with attending parties and travel.

RSVP – ASAP! Be a great guest by contacting your host as soon as your invitation arrives. Start by communicating gently and by educating others; remember, your host is hoping to plan the “perfect” holiday party or meal.

Discuss your concerns about food allergens, the possibility of cross-contact, and how you can best create a safe environment. Talk to your host or hostess about asking guests to wash their hands after eating if allergen foods are present. By having an interactive conversation about food allergies in general, you have an opportunity to educate without offending your host.

Make it and they will eat. Offer to bring safe food so that you know there will be something there that you or your child can eat and your host doesn’t have to worry about separate food preparations. Share dishes that would be allergen-free and a delight for everyone attending.

Ship ahead. If you're flying to visit friends or family, you may want to make some simple allergy-free foods that travel well and ship them to your host ahead of time.

Start the trend. Include an ingredient listing card with your food contribution to the party. Also, add an ingredient card to all food gifts you send out from your kitchen. This is a great opportunity to raise awareness at a party and with friends.

Tag-team parenting. If your whole family is invited to a party, plan ahead with your spouse to divide the task of supervising your young child. Create a signal for silently alerting each other to switch. With designated "on duty" times, your child will be supervised, and each parent will have time to socialize. This keeps little hands away from allergens that may be out (such as a bowl of chocolates or nuts).

The rules. Go over “the rules” for parties with your kids in the car so that the most important safety rules, such as not eating a food unless he or she has checked with you first, will be fresh in their minds when you arrive.

As always, be sure to ask about ingredients, check labels when possible, and carry medications with you in case of a reaction.

Adapted from Food Allergy News, Vol. 16, No. 2.

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