How will you handle the holidays?

This year, I am hosting Thanksgiving for dh's family. This includes 5 siblings plus spouses, maybe a date for the single one, their children, and MIL. I have not done it for 4 years(for their clan), so it is okay. It will be nut free unlesss BIL brings a huge bag of peanuts [img]http://uumor.pair.com/nutalle2/peanutallergy/eek.gif[/img] that he is known for. He is the type who would simply forget. We will give them back(and ask them to go right back into the car)!

Usually I do Thanksgiving with dh, dd, and my Dad, then we travel to dh's family that weekend at some point. I am more comfortable dealing with the allergy at home, and travelling or entertaining are both work, so that equals out.

I bake alot for Christmas, so that means plenty of safe treats come with me wherever I go, and dd knows I always have something for her. But generally we go wherever we are invited and navigate the nut bowls or move them. Usually it is not bad, but we had a potential issue at a party this weekend. I may need to rethink my party going with dd in tow or start asking for nutless parties! Usually the kiddie things are okay except for may contains, because everybody knows. We always tote our own food for dd, with the PA. So that is our plan this year. becca

Seeing my son is also allergic to eggs, chicken and turkey, I will be hosting both Christmas and Thanksgiving. I feel that it would be too much for my family and am afraid that I'd be too paranoid to let my son eat anything by well meaning family...if you know what I mean!!! We'll be serving some type of beef dish on Thanksgiving and Christmas, but we warned everyone ahead of time.

I'm going to my sisters house (Mildura) for Xmas. Although she has peanut butter in the house she always puts it away and she has fresh margarine and home jams etc. I usually lable them "for twins use only" so that no one else touches it. In regard to food, she never uses peanuts in cooking. Tree nuts yes because I can eat them (love almonds and walnuts!). I think because my family have seen my reaction to peanuts and that of my twin so many times they really understand pa. Can't believe it is nearly Xmas time again! That means Summer holidays for us in Australia!

I talked to dh tonight and we do have room for everyone if needed. I will just wait and see what happens. Our families are more aware of dd allergies. Not always understanding but aware. It is a start. It is funny, she has had this for 12 years and family is starting to be aware of it. I can laugh or cry and laughing at times is easier!