How to Survive Holiday Events with Celiac Disease
If there's any upside to our very turbulent global situation...you probably aren't getting invited to any holiday parties this year (which means side-stepping those awkward conversations about celiac disease). If one more person tells me "just try one bite" I'm going to pack up and move to a different country! ...oh wait, I already did that :)
Nevertheless, this time of year can feel very upsetting as so many holiday events revolve around food. I get it, I feel you, and it's ok to feel frustrated/upset/sad (whatever it might be). This is your permission slip to feel your feelings and grieve for your pre-celiac life. And when you're ready, here are my thoughts on navigating the holidays with gluten-free grace.
Don't be embarrassed to bring your own food
If you do plan on attending any holiday get-togethers and food is involved, it is 100% OK for you to bring your own food. I have been bringing my own food for Thanksgiving/Christmas for years and I definitely felt embarrassed at first. For me, bringing food has not always been met with positivity which is what made it so difficult. I have gotten my fair share of passive-aggressive comments about eating something different than everyone else, and you know what? It does not matter even a little bit. Your health and wellbeing are so much more important than what people think about you. And if someone has something nasty to say, they probably weren't a super supportive friend/family member to begin with, right? Focus on surrounding yourself with the people who support your needs!
Practice your short and sweet answers
Everyone has at least one question about gluten or celiac disease and we tend to be the most convenient target. Instead of falling down the rabbit hole of whether or not oats are gluten-free, it is helpful to have some quick answers to pull out of your pocket. Something short and polite but direct and unarguable. Here are some examples:
"Why do you eat gluten-free? Is it like a weight loss diet or something??"
I am required to eat gluten-free to manage my autoimmune disease called celiac. Because there is no cure, eating gluten-free is the only way for me to stay healthy.
"Just try one tiny bite! It will be fine!"
Even the smallest, microscopic bit of gluten will seriously damage my intestines. I made this delicious gluten-free pumpkin pie, would you like a piece of mine?
"What happens if you eat gluten?"
(assuming you don't feel comfortable answering) I appreciate your curiosity but I actually don't feel comfortable having this conversation right now. Tell me what's new in your life!
Make sure to spend time with people who do support you
I know that some holiday events are unavoidable and therefore you need some tactics to get through them. But I also hope you make it a priority to surround yourself with the people who do support you! You can only have your guard up for so long...you need those outlets to relax, be yourself, and not worry about having to explain what gluten is for the 734th time.
You can always say no
And, at the end of the day, if you feel uncomfortable, you can always say no thank you! To the party invitation, to the questionable slice of cake, to the confrontation with your second cousin. You do not owe anyone an explanation! It is also not your job to educate other people if you don't want to. If you feel motivated to explain celiac disease to your family/friends, you should go for it! But if you are feeling tired or overstimulated, you don't have to take on that role. You get to decide what your boundaries are!
I am wishing you all a safe, happy, and gluten-free holiday season!