Gluten Free Christmas – Enjoying the Holidays Without Wheat
People commonly ask us, can you have Christmas without wheat? Can you honestly enjoy a gluten free Christmas? Yes, yes you can!
Family gatherings are generally built around food, making this time of year especially feel like a minefield for people with Celiac Disease.
However, you can absolutely enjoy having a Gluten Free Christmas, whether a small or 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 a “social burden”.
Let us help guide you through navigating the holidays with helpful tips, information, recipes & products!
Tips for a Safe & Happy Gluten Free Christmas
It all begins with you.
You are either going to end up with an empty plate or you are going to eat some gluten and get sick if you don’t take ownership for your health at the holidays.
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.
Plan Christmas ahead and be proactive.
Gluten free is NOT easy to create at the last minute, especially in a non-gluten free space. Call in advance to discuss the menu and dietary needs, offer recipes, ingredients or suggestions for keeping things gluten free.
Feeling pushy? This is one of your medical treatments that you need to do, even at the holidays. Your life depends on it.
Refuse the food, it’s okay.
Again. It ALL begins with you. Stick to your guns. Be proactive.
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 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
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
Is Eggnog Gluten Free?
Often, both homemade and store bought Eggnog are naturally gluten free. This is great news for Celiacs at the holidays.
Most eggnogs contain eggs, milk/cream, sugar, vanilla, and spices. Eggnog, in most cases, is gluten-free. Please read the ingredient and nutrition labels carefully if purchasing a store bought Eggnog.
What brands of candy canes are gluten free?
There is presently no certified gluten free candy canes available, but options that contain no gluten ingredients and processed in safe facilities are available.
Starburst Candy Canes are perfect to decorate the tree, for stocking stuffers, gift baskets or share with family and friends! Available in Green Apple, Lemon and Strawberry flavors. Starburst Candy Canes are gluten free, allergen free and OU kosher certified.
Since 2007, YumEarth has been making organic candy with a whole lotta love and simple ingredients you can pronounce. They offer a tasty variety of organic and allergy-friendly candy with YumEarth Organic Candy Canes, which are also available in Holiday Mini Candy Canes too!
Tips for Hosting a Celiac 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.