Helping Chicagoland Kids With GI Conditions Thrive This Holiday Season

The holidays can be a joyful time, but they often come with food-focused challenges for families managing conditions like IBS, IBD, celiac disease, or eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Pediatric Gastroenterologist Amelia Kellar, MD, MSc of the University of Chicago Medicine shares her insights to help parents reduce anxiety and keep the focus on connection and celebration.

Q: Why can the holidays be especially difficult for kids with these conditions?

Dr. Kellar: “The holidays, connection and family time, they all tend to center around food. For kids with these conditions, they may have developed a negative association with food because of symptoms they’ve experienced. Even if now they’re in remission, they remember when food caused pain.” She adds that parents also feel this anxiety. “It can take away that fun piece of it if you’re worried about something that used to be so positive.”

Q: What are some ways parents can prepare for holiday gatherings?

Planning ahead can help alleviate stress. Dr. Kellar explains, “One of the first things I say is never be afraid to reach out to your host ahead of time. You don’t have to disclose everything about your child’s condition, but you can ask, ‘What’s going to be on the menu? Can I bring something?’ One of my top recommendations is always offer to bring your own dish because then you’re guaranteed to have something you know your child can eat and enjoy.”

• Parent tip: The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation has hundreds of “Gut Friendly Recipes” on its website and is a great resource for families, especially during the holidays. These recipes are anti-inflammatory so tend to be more gentle on the gut and thus can be used even if you don’t have IBD.

Dr. Kellar also encourages families to avoid overextending themselves. “Don’t say yes to every brunch or dinner. Pick the ones that are really special to you and prioritize those. It’s okay to say no sometimes, particularly if these events are associated with anxiety.”

If your child has access to a dietitian, lean in for more personalized support. “We have several dietitians that work directly with us in Gastroenterology, and they all have expertise in these conditions. More often than not, patients are meeting with a dietitian at the time of diagnosis and usually have regular check-ins,” says Dr. Kellar.

Q: Are there common holiday foods that might trigger symptoms?

This depends on the condition, Dr. Kellar notes:

• For celiac disease, “You want to avoid gluten, but people don’t always realize that cross-contamination can make you sick. For example, if one spoon is used in something with gluten and then used in something gluten-free, that can be a problem.”
• For IBS or IBD, “Highly processed foods, fast food, very high-fat foods, and rich dairy dishes can all upset the stomach, especially if your child has active inflammation.”
• For EoE, “Many kids are on elimination diets, avoiding triggers like dairy, wheat, or nuts. Bringing your own items can ensure they aren’t exposed to these ingredients.”

Q: How can parents handle family members who don’t understand these conditions?

Dr. Kellar: “It first depends on your comfort as a family and how much your child wants others to know. But if you’re explaining, start by asking, ‘What do you know about this condition?’ That’s an easy way to gauge someone’s understanding.”

For example, she explains, “With celiac disease, people think it’s just a sensitivity. But it’s not — it’s an autoimmune disorder where gluten causes harm to the intestines. If you have celiac disease, and you’re ingesting gluten regularly, it can predispose you to certain cancers in the long term. It’s a reaction that has the potential to harm and needs to be taken seriously.”

Q: What should parents do if their child experiences a flare-up during a gathering?

Dr. Kellar: “Many of my patients feel most comfortable when they have an emergency pack with them, even if they’re in complete remission. Some kids carry things like Poo-Pourri, sanitizing wipes or even a little mini fan. It’s about having those items that make them feel prepared and confident.”

She also recommends having open conversations with your child before gatherings. “Ask them, ‘What are you thinking about dinner at Grandma’s? Are you excited?’ Let them share their concerns so you can address them ahead of time. If they’re worried about something like not knowing where the bathroom is, you can say, ‘Let’s figure that out.’ It gives them confidence.”

• Parent tip: Having a code word is another useful strategy. “If they’re feeling really unwell, they can use the code word so you can leave discreetly without needing to explain everything.”

Q: How can parents shift the focus from food to the joys of the holidays?

Dr. Kellar: “A lot of people worry that talking about food anxiety will reinforce it, but it’s the opposite. Once you’ve allowed your child to get their worries out, you can shift the conversation to what they’re excited about. Ask them, ‘What are the traditions you love most? Who are you excited to see?’”

She adds, “In my family, we play a lot of card games and it’s something I always look forward to. Every family has traditions — whether it’s games, decorating, or spending time with certain family members or pets — that can help take the spotlight off food.”

Q: What’s your top piece of advice for parents?

Dr. Kellar: “It’s OK to say no sometimes. I never want anyone to say no because they’re afraid, but if you’re not feeling well or you’re really tired, it’s OK to prioritize the things you’re really looking forward to. The holidays should be about connection, not exhaustion.”

Expertise from UChicago Medicine. Learn more at UChicagoMedicine.org.