Most of the time this is fine, but there can be moments when the heart sinks, as you realise there’s nothing suitable for you – or that you can’t enjoy the same choice as everyone else.

At Christmas time this can feel particularly unfair – you just want to relax and enjoy the festivities like everyone else, but instead you’re left hungry, left out and frustrated.

This is where the consideration of friends and family can make a real difference, as Katie, Lucy and Wendy from our Tales from a Gluten Free Christmas campaign explain:

Lucy Morrison

“Last year, I went to a friend’s house with a few others for a pre Christmas meal,” recalls Lucy Morrison, 18. “Every piece of food was homemade and gluten free! It was a great experience as it made me feel that people don't actually mind catering for me and are very accepting.”

 

 

Wendy Temple

Wendy Temple, 66 agrees. “One of my friends is sensitive to gluten (but not coeliac) so she does a completely gluten free buffet which is wonderful. It means so much when someone goes to the effort of keeping you safe. Especially at Christmas."

 

Katie Millis

But it’s not just about chucking a few gluten free items in the basket and hoping for the best. Hosts can go the extra mile by thinking about food safety and avoiding cross contamination. Or, to make it more straight forward, they could serve all of the main items gluten free, like Katie Millis’ family.

“My family are really supportive and ensure that we only have gluten free food at home so that I can safely eat everything and not have to worry about cross contamination.

“This really helps, especially at busy times like Christmas when everyone is rushing around and it’s easy to pick up the wrong serving tongs or top up a bowl of crisps with a different packet.”

At the end of the day, taking that extra time to cater for your gluten free guests won’t just boost their festive cheer – it will ensure that their health is protected.

Katie, 27 explains, “With everything being gluten free, I can relax knowing everything is safe and my family can too, knowing that I won’t get ill or end up with mouth ulcers for two weeks. “

Has one of your friends or family made a special effort to cater gluten free for you at Christmas? Give them a shout out on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, and don’t forget tag Coeliac UK, using #GFChristmas.

Check out our Tales from a Gluten Free Christmas campaign for more on how to cater gluten free, and to get inspiration and tools so you can help more people feel included this Christmas.