Like most people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, I'm very, VERY careful about what I eat. Consequently, it's extremely rare for me to sample anyone else's cooking, even if they assure me that it's absolutely gluten-free.
Although this is standard operating procedure for me, I often get looks and comments from people that indicate I'm being too careful, or worse, just this side of nuts. It comes up more frequently at holiday time than at any other time, most likely because the holidays involve so much socializing ... and so much food-related socializing.
There's no question that the holidays can be rough for us -- everywhere, there's tons of food we can't eat, plus there's plenty of pressure from friends and relatives to "just try a little" (and obvious annoyance when you won't). It's tough to keep your emotional equilibrium when people are getting annoyed at you simply for doing what you need to do to protect your own health.
I don't claim to have all the answers (I wish I did!). But I've outlined a few thoughts in this article, Coping with Your Emotions Over the Holidays, and some ideas to try in Coping with the Gluten-Free Diet Over the Holidays. I'd also love to learn some of your own coping strategies -- if you have any tried-and-true methods, please share them in the comments section below.
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Photo © Getty Images/Ariel Skelley
I, too, have my moments when I start to feel sorry for myself, but I can regain composure by reminding myself that there are SO many other diseases that at are dibilitating, painful, and yes- fatal. There’s no doubt we face a huge inconvenience in our lives, but I’ll take this condition over so many others that could be SO much worse. After weeks of feeling depressed and restricted, it dawned on me that I needed to look for the joy in my life and start seeking out laughter and up-beat music to enjoy! Merry Christmas, everyone!
Beautifully put — thank you, Helen!
I think what is most stressful is having to explain things over and over and over again. I also have trouble keeping my mouth shut when people I love are (in my opinion) also suffering from Celiac and won’t do anything about it. It’s isolating and I would selfishly love to have one other person in the family to share it.
Yes, how is it that we all have this situation, in some form or another? When I first started this ‘diet’, 12 years ago, my father and brother mocked me each holiday, saying that I was just trying to get special attention. (At that time, my mom was in cancer treatments for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and thyroid cancer, and she passed away in 2005). I know their mockery was out of ignorance and other complicated issues, however, I felt that if I was diligent, and faithful to my cause, they would eventually come around, since I was their family. That was seven years ago. I am still the only afflicted one, and somehow, with all the feelings that have transpired since the initial mockery, I spend Christmas alone. Thanksgiving also. Or I am told to bring my own food, but with me a 1000 miles away, it just seems easier to stay away from the food related holidays. They are all well over weight, and I feel their resentment towards me, and my life style, as they call it. I understand how they may feel, for if this affliction had never happened to me, I to may see things the same way. So, for those out there in a boat like mine, your not alone. Look for my beacon. Thank you Jane, and have a wonderful holiday.
Like Helen said so beautifully above, reminding myself how lucky I am that my health concerns are less lethal and traumatic than many afflictions helps me keep my discouragement in perspective. I’m also blessed with some family and friends who “get it” and actually look out for me at gatherings, not only to keep my separate foods safe but also to take the heat off of me when someone who doesn’t (or won’t) understand starts to try and ride my case. As for the rest, I’ve just learned to shrug it off. If they care so little about me that they aren’t concerned about making me ill, then they aren’t people I really want or need to socialize with anyhow. I’ll stick with those who show me in words and actions that they truly care about me. Happy holidays!