Enjoy the Holiday Festivities Without Wheat
People commonly ask us, can you have a gluten free Christmas truly without wheat? Can you even enjoy a gluten free Christmas? Yes, of course you can have a Gluten Free Christmas from breakfast to dessert, and all the festive fun in between!
Family gatherings are generally built around food, making the holiday season especially feel like a minefield for people with Celiac Disease.
However, you can absolutely enjoy having a Gluten Free Christmas, whether a small or a large gathering.
When people think about Christmas, if food is not the first thing that jumps to mind, it is likely the second or third. Most instances, that holiday food contains wheat, rye or barley, the off limit glutens to those who need to eat gluten free.
Even more often, these foods are apart of special activities, a once a year activity, and are not gluten free. Now Christmas becomes the annual “social burden” that we dread participating in.
Let us help guide you through navigating the holiday season with helpful tips, information, recipes & some fun gluten free Christmas & festive products!
Tips for a Safe & Happy Gluten Free Christmas
Staying gluten free during Christmas and the holiday season begins with you.
You are either going to end up with an empty plate, you are going to eat some gluten and get sick if you don’t take ownership for your health at the holidays, or you are going to speak loud and proud about your dire need for gluten free & cross contamination protocols in place.
It is important to be polite and to recognize that your host is probably trying hard, but you need to give them a chance. This is not their every day routine in the kitchen like it is for those with Celiac Disease.
Plan Christmas ahead and be proactive about your gluten free needs.
Gluten free is NOT easy to navigate last minute, especially in a non-gluten free space. Give your host ample opportunity to review their kitchen, the ingredients they have and don’t have. Call in advance to discuss the menu and your gluten free dietary needs. This is a great time to share your favourite gluten free recipes, ingredients or suggestions for keeping things gluten free.
Feeling pushy? This is your medical treatment. You need to do it even at the holidays. Your life depends on it and your friends & family will too.
Refusing the food is okay.
Again. It ALL begins with you. Stick to your gut and be proactive with your host.
Although Celiac Disease does not display an immediate reaction, untreated or partially treated celiac disease is a life-shortening condition and you have to make that very clear. We can NEVER, ever take a day off our gluten free diets.
Start new, gluten free Christmas traditions.
Don’t use the holiday as an excuse for cheating, but instead as an excuse for creating new gluten free holiday traditions! Christmas isn’t ONLY about the food at the table. You CAN have a great holiday without Grandma’s glutenous sugar cookies.
It ALL begins with you.
Gluten Free Christmas Grocery Shopping List
From gluten free cookie swaps, Christmas Eve appetizers, morning brunch, a fabulous dinner and all the occasions in between, we know you don’t want to forget a single thing! We’ve got a list to help you cook up the perfect Gluten Free Christmas from start to finish.
To build this Christmas shopping list, we’ve compiled all the basic ingredients you need to host your gluten free holiday, from coffee to dessert.
Don’t forget to jot down a few of those extra ingredients that make your Gluten Free Christmas Recipes uniquely yours, too!
- Must Haves for a Gluten Free Christmas Grocery List
Butter – Eggs – Milk – Eggnog – Cheese (shredded/block) – Spices + Salt & Pepper – Sugar (white, brown & powdered) – Vegetables of all varieties *these items are needed in many areas, buy large quantities – fresh is best when able!
- Christmas Cookies
Gluten Free Flours – Sugar – Vanilla Extract – Powdered Sugar – Food Colouring – Baking Soda – Baking Powder
- Christmas Brunch
Gluten Free Bread – Fruit – Bacon/Sausage/Peamale Ham – Coffee (of course)
- Christmas Appetizers
Gluten Free Crackers – Shrimp + Sauce – Chips + Dips – Fresh Fruit – Fresh Vegetables
- Christmas Dinner
Gluten Free Buns – Potatoes – Cream/Yoghurt – Turkey/Ham – Gluten Free Gravy – Cornstarch – Whole/Canned Cranberries – Orange Juice
Tips for Hosting a Celiac Disease Safe Christmas Dinner
Creating & Hosting for Gluten Free Guests
It is no longer simply religious or ethical issues at the dinner table with the ever increasing number of food allergies and dietary restrictions. Making dinner great for everyone can seem like a daunting task, but one that is possible.
Communication – A quick email or phone call before the dinner menu is set can help make dinner great for everyone.
Keep it Simple – Use very few ingredients – meat, vegetables, fruits and some spices are likely to be naturally gluten free.
Read Labels – Be cautious about what is served and how it is manufactured or prepared – gluten hides in a lot of random places.
Some Assembly Required – Let your guests assemble their plates themselves. This allows for added comfort.
Don’t Take Rejections Personally – Those with Celiac Disease do this dietary need daily and may have had bad experiences with foods before.
Cross Contamination MATTERS – Wash all pans, knives, measuring utensils, containers, and cutting boards before use.
** review our Hidden Gluten List for more understanding on finding the hidden gluten in products.
Popular Gluten Free Christmas Recipes
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Melt-in-Your-Mouth Gluten Free Shortbread Cookies Recipe
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Gluten Free Whipped Cream Recipe
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Gluten Free Pie Crust Recipe
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Gluten Free Stuffing Recipe
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Gluten Free Pumpkin Pie Recipe
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Gluten Free Bread Pudding Recipe
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Gluten Free Sugar Cookies Recipe
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Naturally Gluten Free Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Common Gluten Free Christmas Questions
Is Eggnog Gluten Free?
Yes, most homemade and store-bought eggnog is naturally gluten-free as it contains eggs, milk, sugar, and spices. However, always check labels for additives or cross-contamination warnings.
Often, both homemade and store bought Eggnog are naturally gluten free. This is great news for Celiac Disease at the holidays. Most eggnogs contain eggs, milk/cream, sugar, vanilla, and spices. Eggnog, in most cases, is gluten free. Of course we always recommend that you read the ingredient and nutrition labels carefully if purchasing a store bought eggnog variety.
What brands of candy canes are gluten free?
There are currently no certified gluten-free candy canes on the market, but many brands (like Airheads) are free from gluten ingredients. Always verify the facility processing status on the package.
Airheads Assorted Flavors Christmas Holiday Candy Canes Stocking Stuffers Individually Wrapped – This holiday season, nothing beats the playfully delicious taste of Airheads candy canes!? Packed with holiday cheer, every bite of these assorted fruit candy canes will make your taste buds happy!? Gluten-free and peanut-free, these Airheads candy canes are the perfect for stocking stuffers, tree trimming or fun treats at holiday celebrations.
Is turkey gluten free?
Fresh turkey is naturally gluten-free, but pre-basted or stuffed turkeys often contain wheat. Ensure your turkey is not pre-stuffed and check labels on brines or seasonings used.
How do I host a Christmas dinner for a guest with Celiac Disease?
Focus on naturally gluten free ingredients like meats and vegetables. Communicate with your guest beforehand, keep recipes simple, and let guests assemble their own plates to avoid mix-ups.
How can I prevent cross-contamination in a shared kitchen during the holidays?
Wash all pans, knives, and cutting boards thoroughly before use. Avoid using porous items (like wooden spoons) that have touched gluten, and prepare gluten-free dishes first before flour is used in the kitchen.
How can I politely refuse food at a holiday gathering?
It is okay to refuse food to protect your health. Be proactive by calling the host in advance to discuss your needs, or offer to bring a safe gluten-free dish to share.
Is Christmas pudding gluten free?
No, traditional Christmas pudding is not considered gluten free as it typically is made with wheat flour. There are occasionally gluten free versions of Christmas pudding available at your local gluten free bakery or grocery store.
How do I make gluten free gravy for Christmas?
Try this easy gluten free gravy recipe that works great for Christmas with turkey broth.
What are the essential items for a gluten-free Christmas grocery list?
Key essentials include gluten free flours, xanthan gum, gluten free spices, fresh vegetables, potatoes, and certified gluten free broth or gravy thickeners like cornstarch.