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Food Allergies in Children: Navigating the Holidays

by Katie McCormack, MD, Allergist
Boulder Medical Center

The holiday season brings school celebrations, family gatherings, and plenty of festive treats. But for the 1 in 13 children in the U.S. living with food allergies, this time of year can create extra challenges for parents and caregivers. With a bit of preparation and proper communication, your child can enjoy the season safely and confidently.

Understand Your Child’s Food Allergy Triggers

Cookies, candies, potlucks, classroom parties, family and neighbor get-togethers mean more exposure to foods that aren’t part of your child’s usual routine. Common holiday triggers include:

    • Baked goods containing eggs, nuts, wheat, soy, or dairy
    • Festive candies that may have allergens presented in novel ways or cross-contamination
    • Homemade dishes without ingredient labels
    • Party mixes or appetizer trays that combine multiple allergens

Even well-meaning friends and relatives may not realize how easily cross-contamination can occur in a busy holiday kitchen.

Partner With Teachers, Hosts, and Caregivers

Whether your child attends school in the Boulder Valley or St. Vrain Valley School Districts or attends community events around Boulder County, clear communication is key.

“Communication is one of the most important tools parents have,” says Katherine (Katie) McCormack, MD, pediatric allergist at Boulder Medical Center in Louisville, Colo. “Checking in with teachers, event organizers, and family members helps ensure that everyone is on the same page and that nothing slips through the cracks during this busy time of year.”

Before seasonal events, consider asking:

    • Will food be served? If so, what are the ingredients?
    • Is there a non-food activity option?
    • Will adults supervising the event know how to recognize allergy symptoms?
    • Who knows where emergency medications are stored? Who knows how to use the emergency medications?

Small check-ins go a long way, especially during a busy time of year.

Keep Emergency Medications Current and Accessible

An updated Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan is essential, especially if schedules change for winter concerts, after-school activities, or holiday field trips.

Important reminders:

    • Make sure epinephrine devices are not expired
    • Provide a clearly labeled two-pack in case of severe allergic reactions
    • Include oral antihistamines (such as liquid cetirizine) for mild symptoms
    • Inform teachers, babysitters, and relatives where medications are stored and review their use

“Parents focus on being prepared early in the school year, but the holiday season is another time when routines shift,” Dr. McCormack explains. “It’s important to make sure medications are easy to find, and that everyone knows how to use them.”

Build Your Child’s Confidence Around Food

Children do best when they understand how to manage their allergies in real-world situations. Practice simple skills at home:

    • Politely declining food if they’re unsure it’s safe
    • Checking with a trusted adult before eating something new
    • Recognizing early symptoms like itching, hives, or stomach discomfort
    • Knowing how and when to speak up if they feel unwell

“Kids gain a lot of confidence when they know exactly what to do—even in tricky holiday situations,” says Dr. McCormack. “Whether it’s saying no to a homemade cookie or telling an adult right away if they feel off, these skills are empowering.”

Tips for Family Gatherings

Holiday hosting can be a team effort. You might consider:

    • Bringing a safe dish for your child to enjoy
    • Asking hosts to keep allergen-containing items separate and clearly labeled
    • Offering to help plate or serve food to prevent cross-contact
    • Creating a designated “safe food” area
    • Keeping wipes on hand to clean surfaces before meals

Most families want to help; they need guidance.

Make a Plan for Travel or Winter Break

If you’re traveling around Colorado or beyond:

    • Pack a medical kit with extra medications
    • Keep epinephrine within arm’s reach, not in checked baggage
    • Identify the nearest urgent care or emergency department at your destination
    • Bring snacks and meals you know are safe

A little planning makes travel much less stressful.

Dr.-Katie-McCormack-pediatric-allergist

Dr. Katie McCormack, board-certified allergy physician

When to See an Allergy Specialist

If your child is experiencing new symptoms, unclear reactions, or increasing anxiety around food, an evaluation with a board-certified allergist can help. BMC’s Allergy, Asthma & Immunology team in Boulder and Louisville provides comprehensive testing, diagnosis, and management for children and adults. A few of the conditions we evaluate and treat include: Allergic rhinitis, food allergies, asthma, anaphylaxis, hives, eczema, sinusitis, stinging insect allergies, contact dermatitis, immunodeficiency, medication allergies, latex allergy, seasonal allergies, and more.
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