The holiday season presents special challenges both for both gluten free guests and their hosts. As celiacs, we’ve had lots of experiences dealing with these hassles, but our hosts have not had that “opportunity”. I thought that the most useful way to help here would be to write a letter aimed at a host who has no knowledge of the gluten free diet but is aware that he/she will have celiacs as holiday guests over the holidays. Read my thoughts, modify them as you see fit, and share these ideas with your host or hostess.

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Dear Host,

 The first and most important you need to know about the gluten free diet is that the goal is ZERO TOLERANCE. People try to cut down on calories, cholesterol, sugar or whatever, but they know that it would be extremely difficult and probably unhealthy to totally eliminate them, but they know that it would be extremely difficult and probably unhealthy to totally eliminate them. But, for most celiacs, the amount of gluten in a communion wafer causes discomfort lasting several days.

I don't mean to scare. Gluten free cooking is not terribly difficult once a person has learned the “rules” and knows exactly what brands to purchase and how to cook them. There is no need for you to learn all this. I would rather help with the shopping and cooking than risk consuming a “gluten bomb” that might incapacitate me during the holiday.

 We celiacs are very concerned about cross-contamination. Be assured that this has nothing to do with cleanliness or sanitation. It means, for example, that gluten free pasta can’t be boiled in the same water that is used for regular pasta, or that gluten-toxic stuffing cooked inside the turkey makes that turkey off-limits to celiacs. Even very tiny amounts of gluten pose a danger.

 Most of the cross-contamination issues can be avoided by cooking the gluten free items separately or simply by cooking the celiac friendly items before you cook the rest of the meal or preparing one party serving plate with items that are gluten free and giving that information to people who need the information. Don't tell everyone; some people are really turned off at the mention of "diet food".

 By the way, the term gluten refers to the protein material in wheat, barley, and rye. Many people include oats on this list. The only known cure for celiac disease is a lifelong commitment to the gluten free diet. It’s a difficult adjustment to make, but fortunately there are gluten free versions of just about every kind of food. I fully intend to celebrate the holiday season with great joy and no unpleasant physical symptoms.

 I hope this information helps. I’m looking forward to sharing Christmas with you.