The treats around the holidays are perhaps the most exciting part of the season.
To my gals with food allergies (yes, plural), it’s the bane of our existence. We look longingly at every tray of cookies and mug of eggnog, then sadly stare at our meals and wonder how horrible it would be if we snuck a bite of a donut.
With that being said, here are ten reasons why having allergies around the holidays sucks.
1. There’s eggnog at every function.
Milk and egg – two of the most common allergens – in a cold, alcoholic drink. Brilliant idea.
2. Bringing a “safe dish” for yourself – and then having people asking for a bite.
IT’S MINE!
3. Receiving Hersey Kisses, toffee, peanut brittle, fudge, peppermint bark, candy canes, etc. – as gifts.
Seriously, what’s with that?
4. If I can’t eat a (insert dessert here) the rest of the year, what makes you think I can have a holiday-themed one? I’m just thinking that –
5. Gluten-free does not mean: dairy free, soy free, egg free, peanut free, shellfish free, tree nut free, corn free – do you get the hint yet? It means gluten-free.
A for effort, though.
6. You spend your time standing at the fruit and veggie platter at every holiday party.
7. Filling out dietary restriction forms before every event, and then being told they can’t accommodate you.
WTF did I fill the form out in the first place?!?
8. Playing the “what did I eat to cause this reaction?” game more than usual.
9. Unfurling the scroll of your allergies and symptoms when someone pesters you to try their Grandma’s fudge.
I’d rather not go to the ER, thank you very much.
10. Things are labeled less than usual.
Would it hurt anybody to keep wrappers?
Managing the holidays is hard enough, and food allergies can make it harder. Would some help be nice? Of course – we can’t modify old family recipes without someone lending a hand.
Happy holidays, everyone. Stay safe.