The holiday season is a time of happiness, cheer and celebration. It brings people together to celebrate with family, friends, and festive large meals. There will be many decadent food choices to indulge in, including many rich dishes and desserts that are often only eaten on the holidays. However, sensitivity triggers continue to haunt the festivities and can bring extra challenges and worry. The CDC estimates that there are more than 20 million people in the US that have allergies. This equates to nearly 1 in 3 US adults, and 1 in 4 US children who have reported having an allergy (including seasonal, food, or skin related). Whether it’s food allergies or sensitivities to common holiday items like pine trees or scented candles, creating an allergy-friendly Christmas means everyone can relax, enjoy, and feel included.
From an environmental standpoint, there are Christmas trees, holly, poinsettias and other holiday scents and candles to create holiday vibes. These can often trigger sensitivity symptoms as well. The first step in creating a safe and inclusive holiday is identifying sensitivities! Thankfully we have amazing lab technology during the holiday season, and all year long to identify all your sensitivities! Our sensitivity test screens for up to 975 individual sensitivities It’s a quick, easy, discreet and inexpensive way to figure out some of the sensitivity triggers that may be hindering you during the holidays. All you’re required to do, once you’ve bought your test, is to send a hair sample to our lab. PDF results are sent securely to your email address and app within 7 days of receiving your sample. The results will include explanations of the testing process, as well as elimination diet recommendations. Don’t let sensitivity sensitivities symptoms take the joy out of your holiday season!
Here are some practical ways to keep the season bright while being mindful of sensitivities
- Since food is at the heart of Christmas and holidays it is helpful to plan, especially when managing personal sensitivities, or those of others. When planning the menu, consider the most common food sensitivities (nuts, gluten, dairy, eggs, shellfish, and soy.) If you are not aware of any sensitivities that exist, a quick text message or email reaching out to guests to ask if they have any specific dietary restrictions is very helpful.
- Including or select certain dishes that are naturally sensitivity-free (roasted vegetables, salads with dressings on the side, and grain-based sides like rice) is an easy way to be inclusive and have options for those with sensitivities.
- Using sensitivity-friendly substitutes where possible, such as dairy-free milk, gluten-free flour blends for baking, or egg replacers in cakes when guests have food sensitivities is very helpful. Many traditional holiday recipes can be made sensitivity-friendly with these simple swaps.
- One of the most important things to do is label foods. Placing small signs with sensitivity information and ingredients lists next to each dish is any easy, safe, and thoughtful way to make guests with sensitivities feeling including. It’s a small touch that shows care and consideration, making it easy for guests to know what’s safe to eat and eliminate stress surrounding their sensitivities
Making your home safe and inclusive for those with environmental sensitivities
Real Christmas trees, wreaths, or garlands are potential triggers for some people. Putting up an artificial tree or hypoallergenic plants keeps the holidays feel without triggering allergies. For some people, scented candles and sprays can bother and trigger those with allergies and sensitivities. Tik Tok and Etsy are viral right now with recipes for natural holiday home scents which can be created by simmering a pot of water or having a crock pot full of cinnamon sticks, cloves, and orange slices. Pets and dander are big sensitivity triggers for many as well. Setting up a pet-free space for guests, as well as vacuuming and dusting thoroughly can also help minimize pet dander in common areas.t
Gift-Giving Ideas for sensitivity inclusiveness
Gift giving is one of the warm holiday traditions. It is a way to show thoughtfulness, care, and gratitude for our loved ones. If food-based gifts are given, choose certified allergen-free treats or consider making homemade items with allergy-friendly ingredients and a clear ingredient list. Choose candles made from soy or beeswax (for fragrance-free options), or scents or lotions made with essential oils. Gift certificates are always a safe bet as well.
Creating an sensitivity-friendly Christmas is all about making everyone feel welcome and included. A little planning can help make sure it is a joyful, safe, and memorable holiday for all. As with most things in life, communication is key. Ask guests to share any sensitivities they may have ahead of time, which will help with menu planning and home environment preparations. May your holiday season be filled with peace, joy, love and light!
