ARTICLES > THRIVE
FOUR WAYS TO SURVIVE CHRISTMAS AND THE FESTIVE SEASON, GLUTEN FREE
From having to explain coeliac disease again, to getting glutened at Xmas lunch, it’s that time of year. Here’s how to ace the festive season.
Here we go again: the invitations to drinks, Christmas parties, family traditions and end-of-year get-togethers are in full swing. If you live with coeliac disease and need to stick to a strict gluten-free diet, the festive season can feel more stressful than fun – but if you’re strategic, it doesn’t need to be this way. Here are four ways you can reclaim the holidays and join in the festivities.
1. ASSIGN A GLUTEN BUDDY
Ask a trusted friend, your partner or family member to be your back-up brain during party season. They can call ahead to check menus at restaurants, ask wait-staff questions when you’re out, and simply be a good support to you at all these holiday events. The mental load of being gluten-vigilant is especially high at this time of year, and having a good gluten buddy frees up some of your headspace so that you can just have a good time. You don’t have to do this alone.
2. STOP BEING SHY ABOUT YOUR NEEDS
If the host of the party asks what they can make for you, this is not the time to pretend they don’t have to do anything special because you don’t want to be an inconvenience. If someone has asked to be guided in the right direction, but you’re not ready to make direct suggestions, sharing options is a gentle approach. We might be biased, but you can start by sharing a link to the recipe section of Gluten-Free Living, or our go-to gluten-free party food ideas. We know it can also be exhausting having to explain coeliac disease and cross contamination over and over again, so don’t forget we have a great guide to catering for someone with coeliac disease you can share too.
3. SHARE THE LOVE
Chances are you’re already used to bringing along some gluten-free food for yourself in case of emergency. This festive season, make it a show-stopper (we’re thinking of this decadent Yule log trifle) and blow everyone’s minds with how great gluten-free food really is.
4. KNOW WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET GLUTENED
Despite your best efforts, people are human and mistakes can be made with cross contamination – if you do get glutened, understand your symptoms well and how to manage them. If you don’t already have this bookmarked, check out our guide to what to do when you accidentally consume gluten.
Sign up to our monthly newsletter for more inspiration, empowering information and experiences that connect you with the gluten-free community.
I want in
READ THIS NEXT
FIVE STRESS-BUSTING STRATEGIES FROM A PSYCHOLOGIST
Living with coeliac disease adds to the complexities of life so it’s important to manage stress. We’re working with these simple but effective tips.
SIX WAYS TO CUT THE COST OF A GLUTEN-FREE DIET
With rising costs hitting harder than ever, Coeliac Australia dietitian Kristina Richardson shares how to eat well while spending less.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU ACCIDENTALLY EAT GLUTEN
If you have a gluten sensitivity or coeliac disease, you might know straight away after an accidental gluten intake. Here’s how to ease your symptoms.
See more
MORE WAYS TO LIVE A GREAT GLUTEN-FREE LIFE
THAT GLUTEN-FREE FEELING
Is it intolerance or something more? Take this 5-minute quiz to rate your gluten sensitivity and coeliac disease symptoms for expert advice from Coeliac Australia.
Take the quiz
That was quite informative about how to survive Christmas.