Navigating holidays with allergies (food, environmental, etc.) can be a challenge. How do we do it?

I was first diagnosed with food allergies over 20 years ago. These allergies have increased to the point that even I struggle to manage them now. Here are some tips I have learned over the years.

1. Plan ahead. Food allergies mean that you may not be able to purchase food everywhere. Take food with you.
2. Have a packed snack/meal bag ready to go for spontaneous outings.
3. Learn to enjoy the smell of delicious unsafe foods instead of eating the foods. Just think about it. That means fewer calories for you!
4. Bring your own food to parties or invitations out. I have learned that there is much confusion as to what is safe or not. Even when the person works hard to accommodate all of your allergies, things can be missed or cross-contamination can occur.
5. Call ahead. If you are going to a restaurant, call ahead. Either make sure that they have food options (ask for the options) or that they will allow you to bring in your own meal.
6. Realize that fellowship is more important than food. There are some places or times when food is not allowed to be brought in from the outside or that you will not have anything to eat except your snack bag. Don’t hold out. Go anyway, eating before you go if you need to. The fellowship and connection are important.

It takes awhile to adjust, I know. It is hard to miss out as food is such an important part of our culture. Yet, with a bit of planning, you can navigate get-togethers and parties.

What other tips would you give?