Most of the time, I really don't think it's that difficult to be gluten-free. Seriously - I don't. That's probably because I live in an area where there are very few things I can't find delicious versions of (think donuts, bagels, cookies, pie crusts, crackers, cakes, cheese straws, cinnamon buns and much more!). And I can't possibly find time to dine out at every place that offers exceptional tasting (and safe!) gluten-free meals around here.
But when the holidays roll around, I often find myself feeling irritated in a way I don't feel good about. I tell myself it's only one meal I have to deal with making all my own food for. Since I have two other gluten-free family members, only the events with people other than my family are somewhat challenging. Still, it's only one meal for the whole year - how hard can it be? Well OK....it's actually three meals if you count Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.... Oh yeah - that is annoying.
If you've been gluten-free for a while, you might be wondering if I don't understand that my gluten-free-free dressing, green been casserole (with homemade fried onion rings), sweet potato casserole and pecan pie are as good as any gluten containing version of those dishes are. I do know that, of course. However, many people who are not gluten-free are afraid of gluten-free food. Therefore, mentioning a small change of ingredients in a family recipe during the holidays is not always a good idea.
I've personally found it's usually best to make/take your own food, don't share if you don't feel inclined to, and call it a day. This way, you're not upset, sad or annoyed that you can't have any 'fill in your fave holiday dish here' during the holiday meal. And that makes for a much nicer holiday for you and those around you.
What's interesting to me is that people who have no dietary restrictions or allergies have no idea what it's like to go without foods everyone else is enjoying. They don't have any idea how it feels when others act as if it's not an issue. Oh wait...it isn't an issue....for THEM. It's our issue and it will always be that way. And that is why it's beyond wonderful to enjoy holidays with other gluten-free people in your own family. At least that way, you'll hopefully have one holiday meal where you don't have to make all your own food. And that is an absolutely beautiful - not to mention delicious - thing!
Happy Holidays!
But when the holidays roll around, I often find myself feeling irritated in a way I don't feel good about. I tell myself it's only one meal I have to deal with making all my own food for. Since I have two other gluten-free family members, only the events with people other than my family are somewhat challenging. Still, it's only one meal for the whole year - how hard can it be? Well OK....it's actually three meals if you count Christmas Eve and Christmas morning.... Oh yeah - that is annoying.
If you've been gluten-free for a while, you might be wondering if I don't understand that my gluten-free-free dressing, green been casserole (with homemade fried onion rings), sweet potato casserole and pecan pie are as good as any gluten containing version of those dishes are. I do know that, of course. However, many people who are not gluten-free are afraid of gluten-free food. Therefore, mentioning a small change of ingredients in a family recipe during the holidays is not always a good idea.
I've personally found it's usually best to make/take your own food, don't share if you don't feel inclined to, and call it a day. This way, you're not upset, sad or annoyed that you can't have any 'fill in your fave holiday dish here' during the holiday meal. And that makes for a much nicer holiday for you and those around you.
What's interesting to me is that people who have no dietary restrictions or allergies have no idea what it's like to go without foods everyone else is enjoying. They don't have any idea how it feels when others act as if it's not an issue. Oh wait...it isn't an issue....for THEM. It's our issue and it will always be that way. And that is why it's beyond wonderful to enjoy holidays with other gluten-free people in your own family. At least that way, you'll hopefully have one holiday meal where you don't have to make all your own food. And that is an absolutely beautiful - not to mention delicious - thing!
Happy Holidays!
