Savoring the Season, Your Way
The holidays have a way of bringing people together around food—family dinners, office potlucks, cookie exchanges, and seasonal parties. But for people managing food allergies, intolerances, diabetes, Celiac disease, or other dietary needs, these gatherings can sometimes come with an extra layer of planning.
The good news? Having dietary restrictions doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the traditions, celebrations, or time with the people you love. A little preparation and communication can go a long way toward making holiday gatherings more comfortable and enjoyable.
Let Others Know
One of the easiest ways to make a holiday meal less stressful is to communicate your needs ahead of time. If you’re attending someone’s dinner or a larger gathering, let the host know about your dietary restrictions before the day of the event. This gives them an opportunity to check ingredients, plan an accommodating dish, or let you know what options will be available.
Bring Something You Can Enjoy
When in doubt, bring a dish you know you can eat. Whether it’s a family favorite adapted to meet your needs or a new recipe you’ve been wanting to try, having something you can enjoy takes some of the pressure off of both you and your host.
It can even be a fun way to introduce family and friends to a new holiday favorite. And if you’re heading somewhere unfamiliar, consider bringing a few snacks or a backup meal. Knowing you have an option available can help you focus less on the food and more on enjoying the party.
Ask Questions
It’s perfectly okay to ask what’s in a dish or how it was prepared. When food allergies are involved, seemingly small details—such as shared serving utensils, preparation surfaces, or cooking methods—can make a difference.
Focus on Connection, Not Perfection
Dietary restrictions may require a little extra planning, but they don’t have to keep you from enjoying the holidays. With clear communication, a little preparation, and some flexibility, there’s still plenty of room for good food, meaningful traditions, and even better company.
At the end of the day, the holidays aren’t about having a perfect plate—they’re about sharing a meal, making memories, and enjoying time together. So, pass the plate, make room for everyone, and remember that the most important part of gathering around the table is making sure everyone has a place at it.
One Cozy Meal
There’s nothing like a hearty soup or stew to warm up a cold winter day. Start with a simple combination of beef and vegetables, then take it in your own delicious direction!
Hearty Beef & Vegetable Soup
Start by browning cubed beef in olive oil and set aside. Sauté your diced onion, carrots, celery and garlic until softened. Return the beef and add diced tomatoes, beef broth, potatoes, thyme and a bay leaf. Simmer for 30–40 minutes, until the beef and potatoes are tender. Stir in fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes and enjoy!
Ingredients
1 lb. beef stew meat, cubed
1 Tbsp. olive oil
½ medium onion, diced
2 carrots, sliced
2 celery stalks, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz.) can diced tomatoes
4 cups beef broth
2 medium potatoes, cubed
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 bay leaf
2 cups fresh spinach
Salt and pepper, to taste
Looking for a vegan-friendly option? Swap the beef broth for vegetable broth and use 1 cup lentils in place of the beef for a hearty source of plant-based protein.