Home for Christmas: Reflections on Our Miami Adventure and Living with Celiac Disease

As I sit here reflecting on our week-long adventure in Miami, the contrast between the sunshine and our snowy drive home feels surreal. Miami was incredible – filled with unique experiences like the Paradox Museum, an amazing mini golf place, and the immersive Superblue exhibit. We hit the beach, spent quality time together, and soaked in the joy of being away from the daily grind. The trip even started with a magical touch: a rainbow greeted us through our ocean-view window upon arrival.

But if I’m being honest, it wasn’t all rainbows.

The Reality of Travelling with Celiac Disease

For me and my two kids, who all have celiac disease, travelling comes with a unique set of challenges. Celiac disease isn’t just a dietary preference – it’s a serious medical condition that requires us to avoid gluten completely. One slip-up can mean days of discomfort or worse. Normally, travelling in the U.S. doesn’t worry me too much; gluten-free options are typically easy to find. But this time, things felt different.

Between struggling to find places that could accommodate us and grappling with the crazy exchange rate, meals became a frustrating ordeal. One day, during the long drive home, I reached a breaking point. We had been searching for a safe place to eat for hours, and at one point, I felt like rebelling and not eating at all. But my kids quickly put me in my place.

We finally arrived at a restaurant around 9 p.m., only to find 50 people waiting for tables. By then, we were all hungry, tired, and irritable. My kids reminded me why staying vigilant about our diet matters, even when it’s inconvenient. For those who think dietary restrictions are just a preference, let me be clear: celiac disease isn’t a choice. It’s a condition that makes “normal” eating impossible.

The Emotional Toll of Celiac Disease

Living with celiac disease often feels isolating. There are days when I’d give anything to feel “normal” – to walk into a restaurant without interrogating the staff, or to eat without scrutinizing every ingredient. It’s a disease that affects not only your body but also your social experiences.

This is especially true during the holidays.

Coming Home for Christmas

Since getting married, Christmas has always been hosted at our house. Part of that is because I love creating a cozy, festive environment for my family, but another part is practical: it’s easier to control the menu when you’re the one cooking. For us, gluten-free isn’t negotiable. It’s the difference between enjoying a special day and spending it sick in bed.

This year, we’re arriving home just in time to cook. Thanks to my mom for staying with our pups and to both her and my dad for taking their lists to get all the groceries we need to make both Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day dinner special. It’s a team effort, and I’m so grateful for their support in helping us pull off another memorable holiday.

Why Education Matters

For those of us living with celiac disease, the holidays can be a minefield. The fear of getting sick looms over every gathering, and it’s not uncommon to feel like an outsider when others don’t understand or take your condition seriously. It’s not just about avoiding gluten; it’s about navigating a world that often sees your needs as an inconvenience.

I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve wished people understood celiac disease better. Hosting someone with celiac isn’t just about swapping out a few ingredients – it’s about creating an environment where they feel safe and included. This means:

• Using separate utensils and cookware to avoid cross-contamination.

• Reading labels carefully (because gluten hides in unexpected places).

• Asking questions if you’re unsure instead of making assumptions.

A little effort goes a long way in making someone with celiac feel cared for and respected.

Gratitude Amid Challenges

As much as I miss the warm beaches and sunshine of Miami, I’m grateful to be heading home to Christmas. There’s something comforting about being surrounded by loved ones, even if it means navigating the complexities of celiac disease. The holidays are about connection, and I’m choosing to focus on the joy of being with my family.

If you know someone with celiac disease, consider reaching out this holiday season. Ask them what you can do to make gatherings easier for them. Educate yourself on the condition, and remember that what seems small to you might mean the world to them.

Because at the end of the day, we all just want to feel safe, included, and loved—especially at Christmas.