Holiday Traditions Beyond the Table
Holiday gatherings are often centered around food. While this can be joyful, it’s not always accessible or comfortable for everyone. For those navigating allergies, feeding tubes, eating disorders, or sensory sensitivities, food-centered celebrations can sometimes feel isolating or overwhelming.
This season, try expanding what it means to gather around the table. Here are some ideas for low pressure, holiday-themed rituals without so much focus on food. These activities can be flexible, festive, and easy to adapt to different ages and abilities:
Holiday trivia jar: Fill a jar with seasonal questions (“What’s your favorite fall or winter smell?” “Name three things that sparkle”). Take turns pulling and answering.
Mini makerspace: Set out craft supplies and invite guests to make ornaments, place cards, or create something original.
Autumn or Winter scavenger hunt: Indoors or out, create a list of seasonal items to find like different colored leaves, pinecones, mittens, something sparkly.
Gratitude garland: Each person writes something they’re grateful for on a strip of paper. Link them together to form a garland that grows throughout the season.
Neighborhood light walk: Bundle up and take a stroll to admire holiday lights. Let kids choose the route or vote on their favorite display.
No-Pressure Holiday Food Traditions
Want to still include food without making it the main event? Food can still be part of the celebration without being the centerpiece.
Build-your-own stations: Hot cocoa, trail mix, or fruit kabobs. Just make sure participation is optional and pressure-free.
Decorating without tasting: Let kids decorate pumpkins, paper plates, or even cookies or gingerbread houses without the expectation of having to eat them.
The most meaningful traditions are often the simplest: sitting together, making something, and sharing a laugh. When we take the pressure off food we can make more room for joy, creativity, and connection.
Faith Wright, MS, RD, LD is a Registered Dietitian in Crestwood, MO and works virtually with clients across the U.S. She has advanced experience and training in Eating Disorders and Sports Nutrition, and specializes in working with pediatric clients at all levels of care - from hospital in outpatient settings.