Welcome to the holiday season, the season that every person waits for all year can sometimes be a dreaded season for those of us with food allergies. Delicious looking foods, pastries and drinks are constantly being placed in front of us, but plot twist, we can not eat them. With food centered holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas right around the corner, there is no doubt the tables are sure to be riddled with foods chuck full of gluten and dairy galore. So to survive these dreaded times there are a few things we can do to make things easier.

Bring A Dish (or Five) To Pass

When attending big holiday events, it is the norm for many groups of friends and families alike to bring a dish to pass. But when dealing with food allergies or sensitivities, we know that even when foods are said to be allergen free, they are not always so. If you are attending an event where everyone is bringing a dish to pass (and even if no one is bringing a dish to pass) bring an extra dish or two for yourself. Not only will you be happy to have something allergen free and friendly to eat, but you also can introduce friends and family to trying something new.

Eat Ahead

Although arriving to a dinner party on a full stomach is not necessarily kosher, as someone who deals with food sensitivities, it is sometimes easier to have a light meal or snack ahead of time when attending an event with food because as we all know there may not be many allergen free options available. If you do not have the opportunity to snack ahead of time, slip a few snacks into your purse or pocket and sneak away if you need a treat of your own.

Explanations

Many people do not understand the seriousness of food allergies and sensitivities. Being in a social environment and announcing that you have an allergy is always sure to cause people to ask question after question. Although we are usually prepared for this (and used to it), make sure this holiday season to approach these topics with the hosts ahead of time to avoid hurt feelings or an awkward situation. We never want someone to feel bad or hurt because they think that you do not like their food or do not want to try things. So as always, when questions are asked, use the opportunity to educate others on the topics of allergies and sensitivities in a polite yet well versed manner.

Be Prepared

Always, always, always be careful when trying foods and always come prepared. Many of us choose not to carry medicines because we feel as if we can handle our allergies by not eating the foods that contain the allergens, but in rare instances this does not work. Be smart and pack accordingly when traveling or attending events this holiday season.