December 20th 2024.
As I sit at the table, surrounded by the mouth-watering aromas of Christmas dinner, my heart sinks. This is my favorite meal of the year, yet I can only watch as my family and friends enjoy the feast before them. You see, I have coeliac disease, and even the smallest amount of gluten can cause serious harm to my body. So while everyone else indulges in juicy turkey, crispy roast potatoes, and flavorful gravy, my plate consists of three fish fingers and some slightly burnt chips.
Living with a food intolerance or allergy can make any communal dinner a challenge. And I am not alone in this struggle. According to YouGov, more than 5 million adults in the UK will likely miss out on Christmas dinner this year due to their dietary restrictions being overlooked. And to make matters worse, the same study found that nearly 4 million adults would purposely not invite someone with special dietary needs to their celebrations. This kind of disregard is not only rude, but it also goes against the spirit of Christmas.
I understand that accommodating for someone with an allergy or intolerance may not be easy. It has taken my parents years to perfect our Christmas dinner and accidents still happen. But they make the effort because they understand the importance of including everyone in the festivities. And thanks to their efforts, I have been able to enjoy an entirely gluten-free Christmas dinner with all the trimmings. It just takes a little bit of knowledge and effort to make it happen.
I urge you not to adopt the attitude of those who think catering for someone with a food allergy is too much of a hassle. Trust me, it is not a lifestyle choice, but a matter of self-preservation. And your lack of consideration is not in line with the Christmas spirit. As for those who think it is okay to make fun of or dismiss someone's allergy, please think again. It is not just a matter of inconvenience, but it can cause serious harm to their health.
While an allergy should not cause tension, it is important to be prepared for the fact that it may lead to arguments, especially during the festive season. YouGov found that 12% of adults have experienced an argument due to their allergy, and this number jumps to 22% among young adults. I have had my fair share of arguments, like the time I came home from travelling to find my family fuming because Worcestershire sauce had been added to the spaghetti bolognese. While accidents and arguments may happen, I hope that this year, everyone will make an effort to understand and accommodate for my needs.
Having extra guests at the Christmas table can make the situation even riskier. People who are not familiar with my allergy may accidentally contaminate the food by using the wrong serving spoons or touching gluten on their plate and then putting the spoon back in the bowl. They may also unknowingly drink from my glass, causing my drink to become contaminated. So, while I appreciate the effort, it is important for everyone to be mindful of the potential risks.
This year, I am hoping to enjoy a Christmas dinner that I can actually eat. And while I know that it may not be perfect, I am grateful for the effort that my family and friends put into accommodating my needs. It means more to me than they will ever know. So, I urge everyone to be considerate and inclusive this holiday season. Invite that loved one with an allergy, ask for their help and advice, and make them feel welcome and included. After all, no one should be left out of the most wonderful time of the year.
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