First Holiday Season With a Newly Diagnosed Child? Navigating the Gaps and Finding Solutions
First Holiday Season With a Newly Diagnosed Child? Navigating the Gaps and Finding Solutions
by Nicole DellaSantina, MPH, Vice President of Public Health
The first holiday season after your child’s food allergy diagnosis can bring a mix of emotions: relief at finally having some answers but also fear, confusion, and a deep sense of uncertainty. For many families, long-standing food traditions may suddenly feel complicated or even risky. Favorite recipes are put on hold, travel plans require extra planning, and well-meaning relatives may not yet understand the seriousness of cross-contact or hidden ingredients.
At FAACT, we understand how overwhelming this can feel. You are not alone. Every family’s journey starts somewhere, and for most, the holidays are the first real test of living safely and joyfully with food allergies.
When a child is newly diagnosed, families often leave the doctor’s office with a prescription for epinephrine and an emergency action plan. What’s missing is a roadmap for how to navigate daily life with food allergies. Parents often turn to the internet for guidance, which can be risky, depending upon the information source. It’s important to know how to separate credible, evidence-based guidance from misinformation. Learning how to identify reliable resources can make a significant difference in your family’s safety and confidence.
That’s why now is the time to create your own “circle of safety”—trusted people who understand your child’s allergies and know how to respond in an emergency. This can include relatives, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and even travel companions. The more people who are informed and prepared, the safer your child’s environment becomes.
Every family’s situation is unique, and preparation looks different for everyone. FAACT’s Traveler’s Checklists offer step-by-step tools to help you prepare for celebrations and trips with confidence.
You’ll find guidance on:
- Safe food preparation and cross-contact prevention
- Communicating with relatives, hosts, or restaurant staff
- Packing emergency medications and travel-safe foods
- Making family traditions inclusive without losing their meaning
Taking small, proactive steps can make the season feel manageable AND memorable.
Hear from the Experts
Two episodes from FAACT’s Roundtable Podcast series can be particularly helpful this holiday season:
- Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis in Toddlers and Adults
A must-listen episode for caregivers, family, and friends. Dr. Pistner walks listeners through what an allergic reaction looks like at different ages, when to use epinephrine, and how to stay calm in critical moments. - Tips for the Newly Diagnosed
Charity offers reassurance and practical wisdom for families new to food allergies, providing real-world tips to help families build confidence day by day.
Together, these conversations can help remind families that education and empowerment are the foundation of safety this holiday season.
The first year after a food allergy diagnosis is often the hardest, but it’s also the start of something powerful: awareness, advocacy, and community. Every step you take, from preparing a safe holiday meal to teaching a friend how to use your child’s epinephrine, builds a more allergy-aware world for all of us.
The food allergy community is special, and FAACT is here to support you every step of the way.
