| For the celiac child, Christmas can be a difficult time. | | | | take home. Hopefully the teacher will check the labels |
| It's easier to manage at home, but making it a gluten | | | | on the candy, because there is so much that is |
| free Christmas at school can be a tricky one. There | | | | gluten free it is easy enough to do. If not you will |
| are parties, students - and teachers- bringing in | | | | again have to send in your own alternatives. |
| Christmas treats (few of which will be gluten free) | | | | Baking |
| and all sorts of challenges for the celiac child to find | | | | It seems that baking at school is a traditional part of |
| their way through. | | | | Christmas these days, but this can be full of dangers |
| You want your child to have fun, to not feel | | | | for the celiac child. If the teacher is open to the idea |
| 'different' from the others, but in reality they are | | | | you might want to suggest some easy, naturally |
| different in terms of their gluten free diet, and it is | | | | gluten free recipe ideas for all the kids to have a go |
| important to find ways to help them stick to the | | | | at - that would be easiest |
| gluten free diet while still enjoying the treats of | | | | But if they have decided to make Christmas Star |
| Christmas. | | | | Cookies (or something similarly gluten-full, as far as I |
| It is really important to get the class teacher on side | | | | can see it there are three choices |
| for this. They will be up to their eyes in tinsel and | | | | 1. Allow your child to cook what everyone else is |
| school plays (believe me - I've done it!) and probably | | | | cooking but not eat any of it (which is somewhat |
| will not really want something extra to think about at | | | | hard on the child but protects their tummy) |
| this time of year, but a quick phone call, or chat in | | | | 2. Ask for your child to be excused the baking, which |
| the playground at the end of the day, asking how | | | | is really hard if the whole class is baking together, but |
| you can help them to help your celiac child is | | | | if it is done in small groups with other activities taking |
| necessary. | | | | place at the same time is less noticeable. |
| The three main danger areas I can think of (and it's | | | | 3. Provide alternative flour, baking powder etc. and |
| our first gluten free Christmas so if I've missed | | | | alternative baking tins, utensils etc. so your child can |
| anything vital please comment) are:- | | | | bake with the others. Bear in mind that flour gets |
| Parties | | | | everywhere, and even if your child is using their own |
| There is always a Christmas party. It is always a | | | | flour there is no guarantee it will not be |
| highlight. There will always be lots of delicious-looking | | | | contaminated. This could make it difficult for the |
| gluteny food which your celiac child has to say no to. | | | | teacher in charge of the group, unless they are very |
| Find out when it is early so you can get prepared | | | | understanding. |
| Ask if the school would mind having a color coding | | | | If you have the time spare, the best option might be |
| system on plates of food: gluten free on holly plates, | | | | to go in as a volunteer for the activity to help out. |
| forbidden on Santa plates (or something!) Or even | | | | Treats |
| better, get your child a gluten free plate ready | | | | The teachers bring them, the students bring them: |
| loaded before the start. (This is preferable as | | | | Christmas is full of candy and biscuits. It is important |
| communal bowls of crisps etc. can be contaminated | | | | that any celiac child, as soon as they can read |
| by gluteny fingers even if the crisps themselves are | | | | sufficiently well, learns to read labels, and your child |
| gluten free) | | | | will have to put this skill into practice over the |
| Make sure you provide gluten free alternatives to the | | | | Christmas period. Hopefully a lot of it will be gluten |
| sandwiches, sausage rolls, cakes and biscuits that the | | | | free. If not, make sure your child's teacher has a |
| other kids are having. | | | | stash of gluten free alternatives that you have |
| Find out what the prizes are for the games (usually | | | | provided so your celiac child does not miss out. |
| edible) and if the children will be given a party bag to | | | | |