Behind The Label

Every year, as soon as December hits, my brain immediately shifts into holiday mode… and allergy mode. I love the lights, the music, the baking, everything… but I also know that the holidays are when nuts sneak into literally everything. From the Hanukkah party jelly donuts to the Christmas cookies, it feels like a constant guessing game. However, over time, I’ve learned how to make the holidays that same comforting time without any allergy worries. So, whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or anything else, here’s how to enjoy the season fully.

Why the Holidays are Extra Tricky with Nut Allergies

1. Desserts

From rugelachs, sufganiyot fillings (jelly donuts), pecan pies, fruitcakes, biscotti, “holiday trail mix,” chocolate gelt, or peanut-peppermint bark made in shared facilities. These are just another layer of additionall new, fun, “nut” foods you have to always be careful and think about.

2. Gatherings

Gatherings during the holidays mean relatives and others offering a number of homemade foods with zero label info. Although they have the best intentions in mind, food with zero labels is of extreme discomfort to those with food allergies, just another source of stress and uncertainty.

3. School and Parties

The many school parties add more unknowns to allergy food stress between all the many cookie swaps during lunch, gingerbread house competitions, and classroom treats.

4. Cross-contact

If cross-contact was not already a huge issue, the amount of cross-contact happening during the holiday season skyrockets because everyone is baking at once. Again, adding another layer of fear and worry to those with allergies in their lives.

Tips to Stay Safe Allergywise:

1. Bring your own dessert

The truth is that a safe cookie you know is nut-free beats guessing from someone else’s every time and bringing your own treats is a great way to maintain 100% certain food safety.

2. Ask about ingredients early

Don’t wait until someone hands you a plate. A quick “What is in this?” or “Were any nuts used in the kitchen?” goes a long way, even if it’s a couple of days before, and they can even change the recipe if it contains nuts!

3. Watch for cross-contact

Especially during the holiday season, when everyone is baking at once in shared kitchens, from pecan pie to almond biscotti, watching for cross-contact can make a huge difference.

4. ALWAYS bring your Epi-Pen

Whenever you go anywhere, always make sure to carry your EpiPen in case of emergency.

5. Create your own traditions

Whether it be nut-free gingerbread houses, homemade peanut-oil free latkes, cozy hot cocoa nights, nut-free holiday baking, or nothing to do with food! All of these new traditions allow you and your family to always celebrate the holidays in ways that feel fun and safe.

Ultimately, it’s not about avoiding everything or not going to a holiday event because you are unsure. It’s about finding the safe options that make you forget the stress for a little while, such as lighting the menorah without worrying about the food on the table or decorating cookies you can eat and know are 100% nut-free. Remember to have a Happy Holidays!