Being Grateful, Despite Food Allergies, on Thanksgiving
There are always many ways to look at any situation. For instance, when you first fell in love, your partner had all of the same flaws that he or she has today. Yet you overlooked them because they were barely visible through your rose-colored glasses.
When times got tough and you went through a rough patch in your marriage, you found fault with many things your spouse did–as your mud-colored glasses magnified all of his faults.
What’s true is that you will find what you are looking for and it’s not really what happens to us that makes us happy or sad, it’s how we view what’s happening that counts.
I bring this up because the food-centered holiday season, with Thanksgiving topping the list, can be a challenge when your child has life-threatening food allergies. It’s very easy to let the stress get to you and for you to feel ungrateful.
I’m not against a good pity party now and then but I have to admit that back in the day, I let my son’s food allergies really get me down over the holidays. However, over the years, I have learned that there are many ways to deal with food in these situations and the joy of the holiday need not be affected.
Read the entire article here.
November 17, 2009 @ 10:32 am
I find that there are many great recipes out there for allergy free everything related to thanksgiving. Being Canadian I have already celebrated my thanksgiving and with 2 celiacs in the family. We were able to eat everything from the gluten-free pumpkin pie that my mom made to the gluten-free stuffing and gravy that my cousin and I made. there are tons of great recipes online that should leave people suffering from all allergy and intolerances stuffed!
November 18, 2009 @ 2:55 pm
The main time I get teary is Christmas, because I want so much to get him things for his stocking and there’s an allergen (usually at the end, just as I’m getting my hopes up). BUT that doesn’t last long becaue he’s so happy to get anything even if it’s not the same as his sister’s. I know the reason he’s ok with not being able to eat everything is because how we model it for him–and he in turn reminds us that it’s really ok too :)
November 23, 2009 @ 4:05 am
I am going to my sister’s for Thanksgiving. She has a child with food allergies too. We are going to be very thankful for our healthy, happy children…..cousins playing together and having good times together. You are so right. It is not the food that is so important. I sometimes wish that mashed potatoes could really be smooth and creamy or that I did not need to use egg replacer in my cookie recipe, but I am thankful this year that I am not going hungry, homeless, or in the hospital. If we look around, we can be thankful for the truly good things that life is all about. Those are our relationships we need to cherish.
November 25, 2009 @ 1:01 pm
This is a great post — good things to remember!
November 25, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
Refreshing to hear people suffering from food allergies & sensitivities realize how fortunate we are despite the daily hurdles of restrictive diets.
November 28, 2009 @ 3:12 pm
Last year I did something completely different–it was hard to find allergy free candies, especially those with a holiday theme. So, I made my own candy (lots of recipes to try out & adapt are out there). I used different shaped molds, like Christmas molds and then poured in the candy until set. I individulally wrapped each candy & tied it with ribbon. Then I wrapped up a shoe box (could use any box though) in shiny paper–put a pretty bow on it & kept it frozen. Then on Christmas morning I gave it to my allergic child for a present. It was a huge hit!!! She is asking for “food” for Christmas this year–in hopes of more candies : ) We also wrap each of her special cupcakes in little treat bags & ribbon–it makes every party special for her & she loves seeing what she gets inside of it : )
December 3, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Thanks for the great advice. It is easy to get overwhelmed with the holidays, but it is about the reason for the season, not the stress of the allergies. Thanks.
December 7, 2009 @ 1:42 am
Support of the Lou Zhu, Lou Zhu worked hard
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December 12, 2009 @ 2:01 am
This is cool, I would love to comment and a link back to your blog of course…
January 6, 2010 @ 11:46 pm
Ha ha ha … thats an good idea.