“I want my kids to have similar memories to mine.  I want their memories to be safe and sweet.  I want them to remember the excitement and the kisses.  This is an achievable goal that my wife and I are determined to deliver while managing our family’s food allergies.”

Holidays (before kids and before food allergies)

My childhood memories of our Holiday gatherings are simple and happy.  Close to two dozen people were packed in a single apartment.   We were multiple generations, separated by several hours of highway and busy schedules, now all unified with a common mission: eat, relax, catch up.  Folding tables and chairs were all over the place.  Kisses, sometimes unsolicited and unwanted were plenty. Kids were spoiled, rules were relaxed, bedtimes pushed back. Those memories are safe and sweet. It was totally awesome.

Holidays and Kids (with or without food allergies)

Now fast forward thirty years.  When my kids get more presents than we can fit in the minivan, when “Oh it’s fine!  Just don’t tell your parents!” is the mantra, and the boys don’t get to bed until 10:45pm, it’s a safe bet that there will be hell to pay for at least 72 hours following the holiday for me and my wife.  Not such a safe and sweet memory anymore.  Awesome?

Holidays, Kids, and Food Allergies

Now here’s the kicker: my oldest boy has food allergies. There are certain things that we always need to do to keep him safe and to manage his food allergies.  We need to prevent accidental exposure to the foods that he is allergic to and we must be prepared to deal with an allergic emergency (anaphylaxis) at all times and in all circumstances.  To complicate matters I have eosinophilic esophagitis and a pretty restricted diet and my wife can’t eat dairy. We wind up bringing food that we know is safe and coordinate with whoever is hosting. Now, events like this are a tactical challenge that takes planning, communication, and patience. While other friends and family come together with their common mission to eat, relax, and catch up, our family focus must be modified.  Safety cannot be compromised.

Constant Food Allergy Management is Key

Prevention of allergic reactions and preparedness for allergic emergencies (Basic Food Allergy Management) is critical, especially when the daily routine is changed because of the holidays.  Having clear and open communication is key. Equally important is passing an awareness and understanding of the constant and critical need for food allergy management  to our friends and relatives. This has established an environment where our immediate family can come close to the common mission and we can eat safely, relax (sometimes), and catch up.

Holidays for My Kids

I want my kids to have similar memories to mine.  I want their memories to be safe and sweet.  I want them to remember the excitement and the kisses.  This is an achievable goal that my wife and I are determined to deliver while managing our family’s food allergies.  Have a happy and safe holiday.

For more on managing food allergies during the holidays see:

Hosting Holiday Guests With Food Allergies (share this with those that will be hosting guests with food allergies)

Navigating The Holidays With Food Allergies (Kids With Food Allergies Foundation Free Webinar)