Christmastime often goes together with parties and food: a tough combination for someone with food allergies, particularly kids. But with a little bit more precaution and creativity, the holiday season can be safer for our food-allergic children, making it all the more an enjoyable festive season. The key is to steer activities such that it does not solely focus on food.

The allergy support group Kids With Food Allergies has come up with a holiday booklet free for download (pdf file).

Christmas ideas for non-food related crafts and activities, safe dining strategies, and holiday recipes including allergy-free gingerbread cookies, candy canes, rice nog and an egg-free alternative to royal icing to use for making gingerbread houses.

Here are some holiday planning tips included in the booklet to make it an allergy-safe holiday season for your kids:

• Have your child pick a special non-food treat to leave for Santa.


• Spend special time with family doing non food-related activities.


• Host a Christmas party with safe foods.


• Organize a Christmas cookie exchange with other food allergy families or friends that you trust.


• Prepare safe foods to take with you when going to parties.


• Visit parties early before it's time to eat.


• Provide food for the entire meal, thus ensuring that everything is safe for your allergic child.


• Invite others to your home, notifying guests in advance what foods are off-limits in your house.


• Establish your own holiday traditions, including activities and outings that do not focus solely on food.


• Work with your child's teacher to develop a list of foods safe for the holiday season.

Dowload the free booklet for more.