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How We Manage Food Allergies and Halloween

September 24, 2019 By Tina 47 Comments

I’ve been asked several times over the years by food allergy and non-food allergy families alike, “How do YOU manage food allergies on Halloween?”  The general thought among them is that we just hide away because, “Oh, my gosh ~ allergens, allergens everywhere!!!”  The truth is ~ yes, we’ve had those fears creep into our psyche when Halloween rolls around (no judgement here if that’s you right now!!), but Hubby and I didn’t want to stifle the fun of the season for the boys.   We knew there had to be a way to enjoy Halloween and avoid anaphylaxis.  However, we also knew that our “way” was going to look different than it would for other food allergy families.  Since we have been asked over and over again how WE do this creepy, spooky, sugar-filled holiday, I thought I’d share what has worked for us over the years.  

How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween - Jack-O-Lanterns


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Food Allergies and Halloween 

For the food allergy family, October (if not September) begins a season where overprotective parenting goes into hyperdrive.  This is not to say that we aren’t already hyper-vigilant and hyper-aware.  Oh, goodness!  You should know us better than that.  It’s just that this time of year is all about candy, sweet treats, allergen-filled side dishes and more.  Not to mention, it’s in mass abundance and somewhat more difficult to control exposure.  We have to gird ourselves with an extra layer of armor in order to battle those who just don’t understand the dangers food allergies present.

Be sure to check out a few of our favorite food allergy friendly Halloween options below!

How this food allergy family does Halloween - Pumpkins from a pumpkin patch

When the boys were young, we would dress them up in a fun costume (usually Disney-related….cough, cough) and take them around the neighborhood.  We would go door to door for about an hour or so and be home in time to clean them up and tuck them into bed.  Truth be told, when it comes to the loot they collected, Hubby and I usually had them trade in their candy for coins and they were infatuated with this idea for years!  They got to dress up in a cool costume, get spoiled by the neighbors and then collect some cash for the good ol’ piggy bank.

Things changed just after our youngest turned one and suffered his very first anaphylactic reaction. 

It was amazing to see what just a dime-sized piece of egg could do to a child.  What shocked us even more was the laundry list of foods that turned up positive after the doctor FINALLY agreed to testing.  Life was going to be different moving forward.

So, now that we had this to keep in mind, we had to come up with some entertaining alternatives before the next Halloween showed up on the calendar.

Of course, one of our greatest obstacles was the fact that we moved often when the boys were young due to Hubby’s career.  This made developing any kind of consistent holiday routine extremely arduous.  Yet, we still found a way each year to do something fun.  In time, the boys didn’t even miss trick-or-treating and, once we established a little residential stability, we developed some traditions that fit our particular food allergy family needs.

So – Here It Is…How We Do Halloween

Pumpkin picking

Okay, so this is not ON Halloween, per se, but grant me a little grace.

We normally do our pumpkin picking very close to Halloween.  This way, the pumpkins don’t rot sitting on my counter or on the front porch.  Yuck!  Picking up soft, mushy, rotten pumpkin is not my favorite task in the world.

How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween - pumpkin patch
How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween – pumpkin patch

Now, when it comes to selecting our annual gourds, my favorite place to go is an actual pumpkin patch.  There is nothing like walking through and finding that perfect pumpkin that fits your own personality.

I swear there were years I feared the oldest would insist on bringing home one that weighed more than he did!

Pumpkin carving

On the afternoon of Halloween, usually a few hours before the trick-or-treaters start filling the streets, we normally cover the kitchen table with an old sheet, pull out the good ol’ pumpkin carving tools and begin creating our individual pumpkin masterpieces.  When the boys were too young to use a sharp knife or cutting tool, we would have them paint their pumpkins.  Ah – yes…THOSE were interesting years.

How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween - pumpkin carving
How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween – pumpkin carving

Check out these crazy designs!

How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween - Jack-O-Lanterns II
How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween – Jack-O-Lanterns II

Easy dinner

This is a night that screams for a simple meal.  We don’t want to spend our evening in the kitchen washing dishes, so we either order pizza, make personal pizzas or shove a frozen few into the oven.  Easy peasy.

I think one year, I may have made Pumpkin Sloppy Joes in the crockpot, but that’s not a favorite among the boys.  Hubby is pretty much the one who enjoys this meal.

Don’t forget the roasted pumpkin seeds!

YES!!  My boys NEVER let me forget this anymore.  We started this a few years ago and they are hooked!  We try a new seasoning each year, but I’m still looking for this year’s winner.

How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween - pumpkin seeds
How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween – pumpkin seeds

Trick-or-Treaters

Let’s be clear.  We have never been against trick-or-treating (well, we’re not crazy about candy consumption in general, but hey – it’s one night a year and they aren’t my kids).  I grew up with spotty Halloween memories myself, usually not allowed out due to religious reasons.  However, I think it’s all in how you confidently present it to your children.  Plus, we didn’t want to take anything away from the kids in our neighborhood.

So, we never stopped handing out candy.
We were simply just careful about how we did it.

When the youngest was a toddler, we didn’t have to worry so much about him handling the candy we were handing out because we kept them in the bags until just before the ghouls, goblins and superheroes rang the doorbell (which, by the way, is a nightmare when you have dogs).  When the bewitching hour approached, we would place the candy in a specific bowl that he never touched and then washed that bowl and our hands after the night was over.

As he got older, he was simply taught how to protect himself by not being involved in handing out any of the candy or by using gloves if he really wanted to help.

The helping part is HUGE if you can find a way to protect them.  Our son loves his gloves because he loves to be involved.

Those gloves are then washed once he is done.  And mind you ~ he had to show enough maturity to know he couldn’t “accidentally” touch the candy.  He has had a contact component to his food allergies in the past.

Recent adjustments to our routine

Now that food allergies are so much more prevalent and there are so many Littles who have to be careful, we try to purchase treats that are more food allergy-friendly.  That way there is limited potential for cross contamination.  This year, our container will likely include any variety of the following: Enjoy Life mini chocolate bars, Smarties, Skittles, Starbursts, Free2B Suncups, Surf Sweet treats and Yum Earth lollipops!

  

What we have done for the last five to six years is sit outside on the front porch once dusk begins to set in so that we can meet the neighborhood kids as they approach our home.  At least one of the boys usually lends a helping hand, sometimes they will rotate out.  Hubby even helped out last year! 

How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween - Waiting for Trick or Treaters
How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween – Waiting for Trick or Treaters

Teal Pumpkin Project

Let’s take a pi-stop for a second and talk about something important.  Have you ever heard of the Teal Pumpkin Project?  This is a fabulous program designed to help communicate to food allergy families trick-or-treating where food allergy friendly treats may be found.  So, if you are entertaining trick-or-treaters this year and plan to provide for those who have dietary restrictions, you can purchase a teal pumpkin or a teal pumpkin yard sign and place it on your front porch or in your front yard.  You can even print off THIS SIGN and place it on your front door.  This will put a smile on some faces on that haunted evening for sure!

Teal Pumpkin Project (FARE)

Teal Pumpkin Project® (logo courtesy of FARE)

Movie time!

To keep ourselves occupied ~ okay, wait.  Let me rephrase that.  To keep those not handing out goodies occupied ~ we usually find some funny Halloween movie to play in the background.  Nothing scary.  We’re not that kind of family ~ watching Sweeney Todd for the first time last year reiterated my dislike for things like that.   So, whether it’s playing the Charlie Brown special, Hocus Pocus or Nightmare Before Christmas from the DVR, there is always something festive being played in the family room.

Game Night

Now, there have been years where we have turned the TV completely off and just sat around the kitchen table playing a board game or two.  We are partial to Yahtzee and Train Dominoes, but we’ve been known to break from under the spell of being creatures of habit and played Monopoly.

With the last haunt and howl

Before long, the bowls are empty and the last goblin and superhero have retired from their candy stalking.  At that point, we simply pack it up and call it a night.  There is usually school and work the next day.  There’s no rest for the weary.  So, a good night of sleep is essential.

I know that, to some, this isn’t the most exciting way to spend a Halloween evening together.  It’s just our way.  It makes us happy and it keeps our son safe.  When I was asking him some questions specifically for this post, he turned to me and said,

“To be honest, Mom, I’m not really into it anymore.  It’s just candy and I’m certainly not interested in dressing up in a costume.” 

How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween - The Boys in Costume
How We Manage Food Allergies on Halloween – The Boys in Costume
Hmmm…my baby is all grown up.  

Well, here’s to another safe and enjoyable Halloween, everyone.  If you have any great ideas you would like to share on how YOU have managed Halloween and food allergies over the years, I would LOVE to hear them.  Please feel free to leave those ideas below and I will be sure to comment back.

Happy Halloween!!

How This Food Allergy Family Does Halloween: #halloween #foodallergies #foodallergyfamily #foodallergiesandhalloween #foodallergyfriendly #trickortreating #pumpkins #pumpkincarving #halloweenmovies #familytime

Be sure to check out our other food allergy related posts!
  • Food Allergies at Medieval Times
  • Food Allergy Dining at Echo St. Simons
  • Food Allergy Experiences at Walt Disney World
  • Nine Tips on How to Manage Food Allergies at Summer Gatherings

PLEASE NOTE:  

I am not a medical professional and would never promote or encourage the ingestion of foods that could be dangerous to one’s health.  I am just a mom who has been managing her son’s life-threatening food allergies since he entered the world.  It is important that you make well-informed decisions on your own regarding whether trick-or-treating or handing out candy on Halloween is safe for you or your family member dealing with dietary restrictions.  My goal here was to answer the many questions I receive as a veteran food allergy mom.  I also wanted to share our family’s traditions in an effort to give some peace of mind and ideas to those still wondering how to handle this holiday.  



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Filed Under: Food Allergies Tagged With: food allergies, holidays

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Holly Bird says

    October 7, 2019 at 4:00 PM

    Amazing post! It looks like you have so much fun!! I love reading your stories!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 7, 2019 at 4:17 PM

      Thanks, Holly!! I appreciate that more than you know!!!

      Reply
  2. Tiffany says

    October 7, 2019 at 4:25 PM

    Great tips! Never realized how much you have to think about – and going to look into providing better options for our trick or treaters!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 7, 2019 at 5:09 PM

      Awwww – that would be AWESOME!! Thanks bunches, Tiffany!! Happy Autumn!

      Reply
  3. Matt Epley says

    October 7, 2019 at 6:24 PM

    The concept of Trick-or-Treaters with food allergies is something that I didn’t even consider until recently. Everyone should have a chance to enjoy such a fun holiday without fear of illness. You sound like a fun family! 🙂

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 7, 2019 at 6:52 PM

      Awww! Thanks, Matt! We try to keep things fun 😉.

      Reply
  4. Angela says

    October 7, 2019 at 6:27 PM

    We saw a few teal pumpkins in our hood last year – love it

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 7, 2019 at 10:15 PM

      Oh, that makes me soooo happy!! Yay for teal pumpkins!!! Thanks for sharing that, Angela!!

      Reply
    • Tina says

      October 14, 2019 at 10:12 AM

      Yay!!! I love hearing that. Maybe there will be more this year 😉✨

      Reply
  5. Lee Anne says

    October 7, 2019 at 7:58 PM

    Great info! Glad that you have a great way to celebrate! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  6. Emily Schroeter says

    October 7, 2019 at 11:25 PM

    What a great and informative post!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 8:13 AM

      Thanks, Emily!!! 😊✨👣

      Reply
  7. Lisa says

    October 8, 2019 at 7:19 AM

    Aw, looks like you have really mastered celebrating Halloween!!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 7:33 AM

      It took some time, but we do what we can to keep things festive and safe 😉.

      Reply
  8. Ellen says

    October 8, 2019 at 8:03 AM

    Wow. Never really appreciated how much food-allergy families go through. And I love the Teal Pumpkin Project! Happy Halloween!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 8:14 AM

      Happy Halloween to you, as well, Ellen!!! 🎃🧡

      Reply
  9. Rachel says

    October 8, 2019 at 9:51 AM

    Food allergies would be tricky during Halloween but you’ve got some great ideas here! I bet my kids would enjoy handing out candy just as much as trick or treating. 🎃🎃

    Reply
  10. Robin says

    October 8, 2019 at 10:32 AM

    Great post and way to bring awareness to something most people don’t think about! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 12:18 PM

      My pleasure, Robin! Hopefully, it will get some families thinking about some alternatives and opportunities this Halloween season. 🎃

      Reply
  11. judean says

    October 8, 2019 at 11:27 AM

    Wow! You have really managed to keep the spirit of Halloween and adjust routine, candy choices, etc. as a result of allergies. Kudos! I would have just given up and left the lights off on Halloween. Also – if it wasn’t for this post, I wouldn’t have learned of the Teal Pumpkin Project – it is good information to know if needed! Thank you!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 12:19 PM

      That’s awesome, Judean!! Here’s hoping a few more families find themselves participating in the project. Food allergies shouldn’t be a reason to avoid a holiday….we just have to find safer ways to enjoy it 😊🎃.

      Reply
  12. Kristen Usrey says

    October 8, 2019 at 11:45 AM

    This was very informational and it looks like you guys have lots of fun.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 12:20 PM

      We do!!! Thanks for the read, Kristen!!

      Reply
  13. Suzan says

    October 8, 2019 at 11:58 AM

    Love seeing the organic options in those treats 🙂

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 12:20 PM

      It’s amazing the choices we have these days!!! Right?

      Reply
  14. Kendra says

    October 8, 2019 at 3:40 PM

    Lots of fun! I love it! We always provide options for food allergies. I love to include all the kiddos out having fun!

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 4:16 PM

      From the bottom of this food allergy mama’s heart, thank you so much for thinking of families like ours!

      Reply
  15. Brittany says

    October 8, 2019 at 4:12 PM

    Great ideas! I’m glad you guys have found a way to manage the allergies during this time of year.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 4:17 PM

      It hasn’t always been easy and we still have our moments, but we found our groove and have made the most of it 😉🎃. Thank you!!

      Reply
  16. Erika says

    October 8, 2019 at 11:04 PM

    So many great ideas! Thanks for making this list.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 8, 2019 at 11:10 PM

      My pleasure!!! 🧡🎃

      Reply
  17. Jennifer Morrison says

    October 9, 2019 at 2:15 AM

    Great information! Love the idea of putting up the sign to make give information about the allergies. I think so many people are still unaware. When my kids were little we didn’t celebrate Halloween, but the local Papa Murphy’s would give away free cookie dough. So we would always have pizza and cookies. My kids would dress up to go get the pizza and cookie dough. After a few years, one of them said to me, “Guess what I want to be for Free Cookie Dough Day”. They all have really great memories of our funny family tradition.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 9, 2019 at 6:54 AM

      I love that!! Dressing up for “Free Cookie Dough Day” – lol! It sounds like you created a really fun tradition for your family and an indelible memory for the kids!

      Reply
  18. Haley Kelley says

    October 9, 2019 at 12:53 PM

    Food allergies are so important to remember this time of year because you never know who has them!

    Reply
  19. Lisa Manderino says

    October 9, 2019 at 3:16 PM

    I love finding other fun Halloween activities that do not have to do with food! Especially as the kids are little.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM

      Right? It’s important to make the holiday or event more than just about candy.

      Reply
  20. Stacey Billingsley says

    October 9, 2019 at 4:05 PM

    Great ideas! I like doing easy dinner, and we usually go out and about for a couple of hours and then watch a movie, or I really love those Halloween and haunted places documentaries! Though we don’t deal with food allergies, I feel we celebrate in similar ways.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 11, 2019 at 10:57 AM

      Halloween almost demands an easy dinner, right? All the hustle and bustle happens in the evening.

      Reply
  21. Lisa says

    October 9, 2019 at 9:16 PM

    Excellent information. Your posts are very informative and educational and you always have fun when you are traveling and visiting places.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 11, 2019 at 10:55 AM

      Awwww – Huge thanks, Lisa! I appreciate the kind words. We do try to find the magic in everything we do – not always easy, but it’s worth the try, right?

      Reply
  22. Cindy says

    October 10, 2019 at 2:05 AM

    I may have commented on this one already! However I understand the very real issues of dealing with holidays and food allergies. Mine aren’t life threatening. However gluten and refined sugar make me sick. Since going plant based I hand out healthy fruit snacks. I feel better about that! Glad you have found ways for your son to stay safe and yet participate.

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 11, 2019 at 10:54 AM

      Thanks, Cindy!! Believe it or not, my boys LOVE healthy fruit snacks, so that’s a great idea to hand those out!

      Reply
  23. Pauline says

    October 14, 2019 at 1:40 PM

    I know so many people who are grateful for the teal pumpkin project. Did you know Luminaid has a limited teal pumpkin solar light?

    Reply
    • Tina says

      October 14, 2019 at 5:18 PM

      I did not know that!! That’s awesome! Thanks for sharing 😉.

      Reply
  24. jen says

    October 15, 2019 at 5:13 PM

    I love it! Find the ways to celebrate that work for your family and forget the ones that don’t! Well done mama!

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Our Family October Traditions | Footprints in Pixie Dust says:
    September 27, 2019 at 2:01 PM

    […] it comes to Halloween night, however, we’ve always just found something to do as a family in the home that night.  There […]

    Reply
  2. Allergy Friendly Pumpkin Bars | Footprints in Pixie Dust says:
    February 18, 2020 at 11:39 AM

    […] How This Food Allergy Family Does Halloween […]

    Reply

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