Christmas...With Dairy Allergies

I'm so excited to have teamed up with a fabulous group of bloggers to bring you a 5 Days of Christmas series. Here we share our best tips for Christmas - in our own areas of expertise. Being that I am allergic to dairy (along with my 4 year old Bram) I'm bringing you tips, products and recipes to make your Christmas season easier! Be sure to check out the blogs at the bottom of the post to see what other topics are being tackled - like cookies, books, travel and craft ideas.

Monday: Tips for a Smooth Christmas Season
Tuesday: Great Dairy Free Baking Products
Wednesday - Friday: Recipes to Make Your Dairy Free Taste Buds Sing!

A SMOOTH CHRISTMAS SEASON WITH DAIRY ALLERGIES

Be Prepared

The key to a smooth and enjoyable Christmas season is to be prepared! I'm telling ya, the Boy Scouts know what they're talking about. Stock your pantry with diary free goodies. Whether it's store bought favorites or homemade cookies - have lots tucked away for that surprise moment. You never know when your kind neighbor will show up with a delectable Christmas treat your little one can't eat. In that moment it's so helpful to pull some hidden cookies from the pantry so they (or you) don't feel left out.


Pack It Up

If you have a child with allergies, or if you have allergies, you know how frustrating and uncomfortable it can be to attend a holiday party where there's nothing safe to eat! Always, always, always pack something when you're going out - even if it's just a quick trip - a short stop at a friend's house can turn into an afternoon outing. Keep a snack basket in your vehicle and fruit roll ups in your purse. If you're going to an all out affair pack a dairy free meal. It's better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it.


Make It Special

Since there are so many things off limits to my little guy I have no problem saying "Hands Off!" when it comes to his treats. Why shouldn't he be able to have something yummy all to himself when there are so many things that only "other people" can have. One way I like to make Bram (or myself!) feel special is to bake a single size portion. If I make pumpkin pie Bram gets his own pint-size pie. He never fails to be surprised and excited about this little something extra.


Make It Okay

Don't let your little one (or yourself) feel like the odd man out or like a burden. Allergies can be difficult enough to navigate without feelings of exclusion (being the only one who can't eat dinner) or guilt (feeling like you're making a ton of extra work for mom). Allergies are just part of who we are. So make it a special time! Bake those dairy free cookies together, mash those potatoes with dairy free milk - and smile about it!

Be sure to visit these other great sites for more helpful ideas for Christmas!! And come back tomorrow when I'll share some of my favorite products for dairy free baking!

A Slob Comes Clean - Getting Your Home Company Ready
Feels Like Home - Christmas Traditions
Somewhat Crunchy - Christmas with Dairy Allergies
Spell Outloud - Children's Books
Mama's Learning Corner - Children's Crafts
Many Little Blessings - Edible Gifts
Sunflower Schoolhouse - Decorations
An Oregon Cottage - Christmas Cookies
Catholic Icing - Wishing Jesus Happy Birthday
The Traveling Praters - Traveling
The Homeschool Classroom - Gifts Kids Can Make
Mama's Laundry Talk - Laundry Gifts