Christmas is one of the only times a year when all your family and friends get together. Gone are the small dinner parties of a handful of people. Hosts find themselves catering to a full house. Naturally, that presents several culinary problems.
Aside from the vegans and vegetarians, it’s not uncommon to find several people with allergies or food sensitivities. It’s a minefield for hosts who don’t want to send their guests home with bowel discomfort or an allergic reaction. (Big red noses are reserved for Rudolph.)
Sound familiar? We’ve put together a quick guide for how to manage food sensitivities during Christmas gatherings. Check our tips and advice.
Potential Food Sensitivity Issues at Christmas
Food sensitivities and food allergies aren’t the same thing. Both involve the immune system – however, food sensitivities take longer to kick in and result in milder, more systemic symptoms. That might not be a problem for you there and then, but it’s a problem for your guests later that day.
Being mindful of food sensitivity issues is part and parcel of catering to a large crowd. Here are some common problems you might face:
- Nuts. Christmas is all about roast chestnuts, nut-filled cakes, marzipan, and more. Yet, each of these foods contains a ton of nuts.
- Eggs. Think about eggnog, meringues, and certain cakes for people who are sensitive to eggs. It’s one ingredient that is often hidden in the recipe.
- Dairy: Christmas treats like cheese boards, creamy sauces, and desserts often contain dairy, which can be problematic for those who are lactose intolerant or have a dairy sensitivity. It’s worth providing lactose-free options or checking ingredients in dishes like pies and puddings.
- Gluten. Gravy. Stuffing. Pastry. Christmas is a nightmare for people with a gluten sensitivity. Always get a gluten-free dessert option to prevent any uncomfortable trips to the bathroom.
- Alcohol. Some people have an alcohol sensitivity that can cause a problematic reaction. Avoiding hard booze is easy – however, lots of chocolates and baked goods may contain some kind of alcohol.
- FODMAPs: Some traditional Christmas foods, like certain vegetables (onions, garlic, and Brussels sprouts) and fruits, may be high in FODMAPs, which can cause digestive distress for people with IBS or similar conditions. Offering a FODMAP-friendly option can help accommodate guests with this sensitivity.
Managing Food Sensitivities During Christmas Gatherings
Make a List and Check It Twice
You’re making a list. You’re checking it twice. You’re going to find out what foods are naughty or nice.
The simplest solution when hosting a bunch of guests for a Christmas gathering is to keep a list of all the allergies and sensitivities. It’s easy to lose track of who can eat what. That’s why you want a detailed list of what to avoid, allowing you to plan accordingly.
Remember to include it as part of your invite. It doesn’t have to be a formal RSVP – even a simple text will do. If in doubt, ask people if a certain foodstuff is okay or not. It’s better to find out ahead of time than on the day.
Careful Food Preparation
It’s not just about having alternative options. If you cook a nut roast in the same oven as the turkey, then the normal Christmas food will be harmful to people with nut allergies and sensitivities. You’ve got to think about your food prep – cross-contamination is no joke.
Plan your dinner ahead of time. Ensure you use separate dishes and utensils to prepare each food and wash them up afterwards. If you think that sounds like a hassle, you’d be right. But it’s better than dealing with anaphylaxis!
Offer a Variety of Options
The more dishes you provide, the easier it is for everyone (aside from the cook). However, most people don’t want to cook a dozen different dishes. The solution? Ask your guests to bring some of the dishes themselves. You can even give the guests recipe cards to follow to ensure the food is suitable for people with sensitivities and allergies.
Getting the people with the sensitivities to bring their own dish takes some of the heat off you. You can rest easy knowing they’re catered for.
Ask Your Guests for Recipe Ideas
Not sure what to cook for a person who can’t eat gluten? You’re not alone. Don’t be afraid to ask people what they like to eat around the holidays. You can bet they’ve got a ton of ideas. You might even pick up a few new dishes for future Christmas gatherings.
You also don’t have to stick with the narrow list of Christmas recipes. Part of the fun of managing food sensitivities during Christmas gatherings is that it gives you an excuse to go off-script. Maybe you want to explore different cuisines or try a fresh take on traditional favorites.
For example, in Germany, Christmas wouldn’t be the same without Stollen, a delicious fruit-filled bread dusted with powdered sugar, and the ever-popular Rotkohl (braised red cabbage), which pairs beautifully with roast meats. Over in Mexico, Bacalao a la Vizcaína (salted cod stew) is a holiday tradition, rich with tomatoes, olives, and capers. And in Denmark, Flæskesteg—roast pork with crispy crackling—takes center stage at the Christmas table, bringing a wonderfully festive touch to the meal.
Stay Sensitivity Safe This Christmas
Don’t let food sensitivities ruin the holiday fun! With the Sensitivity Test Plus, you can easily identify any potential triggers for common sensitivities like gluten, dairy, or nuts. By knowing what to avoid, you’ll be able to plan a Christmas feast that everyone can enjoy—no discomfort, no worries. Managing food sensitivities during Christmas gatherings just got a little bit easier.
Take the test today and make sure your holiday meals are safe and stress-free for all your guests!
