Teaching the Balance of Giving and Receiving with Celiac Disease

If you live with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, you quickly realize that eating is not just a daily routine—it becomes a constant planning task. Your life involves packing meals, thinking ahead, questioning ingredients, and being cautious. Over time, this becomes so routine that you might forget that things could be done differently.

Challenges During Holidays and Social Events

Holidays, birthdays, and social gatherings pose new challenges. You not only have to manage your own diet but also navigate your environment’s reactions. You often bring something with you to ensure there’s food you can safely eat. But is that always necessary?

Don't Block the Possibility of Gift-Giving

People love to give. Gift-giving is a gesture whose value lies not in the item itself but in the intention. If someone prepares something for you from the heart—be it a cookie, a chocolate bar, or a simple gesture—it brings joy to the giver.

However, if you preemptively say, “Don’t bother, I’ll bring my own food, don’t try,” you unintentionally take away the joy of giving. Over time, people may stop trying—not because they don’t care, but because they feel they can’t bring you happiness. This affects both them and you.

How to Accept Gluten-Free Gifts

Effective communication is key:

• Provide guidance: If someone wants to give you or your child a gift, explain what would be suitable. Share a photo, a link to a product, or a store list.
• Assist with choices: If someone wants to bake gluten-free treats, suggest pre-packaged safe ingredients or ready-made options.
• Show appreciation: When someone takes steps to provide safe food, thank them. The joy of giving is an important part of human relationships.

Personal Story – Allowing Acceptance

The mother of my son’s classmate wanted to send a treat for her daughter’s birthday and include my son. My initial thought was to refuse politely and insist on providing safe food myself. Then I realized: denying her contribution would take away her joy. Instead, I sent her photos and store links for safe, accessible products. She thanked me, and that was it.

Everyone benefits: my son still enjoys the treat safely, the other mother felt helpful, and I experienced the joy of receiving a gesture without compromising my child’s health.

All Energy – Gifts, Love, Attention

If you always give but never allow others to reciprocate, the energy becomes one-sided. Conversely, if you always receive but never give back, balance is disrupted. The question is: are you willing to accept what others want to give?

When the answer is yes, gluten-free gifting becomes a joyful moment, not a stressful compromise. 😊

Have you ever declined a gluten-free gift someone wanted to give you? How do you handle these situations? Share your experiences in the comments! 💬