Taking Care of Yourself During the Holiday Season with Celiac Disease and Other Autoimmune Conditions

Relaxing by the fire

When I think about the holidays, I think about delicious gluten-free desserts, amazing food, festive beverages, staying up late, and rushing around to make everything perfect. Somehow, all our good habits seem to get pushed aside; there just never seems to be enough time to fit everything in.

Exercise? Eating well? Getting plenty of sleep? What’s that? If you’re a parent, this can feel especially true. We spend so much time trying to make the holidays magical for our children that we end up putting our own needs last. Before long, we start to feel miserable, particularly if you’re living with celiac disease and other autoimmune conditions.

But the truth is this: it’s important to take care of yourself. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy the holiday season while still supporting your well-being.

5 Tips to help you enjoy the Holiday while still Prioritizing your Health

1. Holidays Are Not Perfect

Gluten-Free Apple Crumble

The holidays often come with unrealistic expectations: perfect homes, perfect meals, and picture-perfect happy moments. When you’re living with an autoimmune disease, those expectations can be especially exhausting. It’s okay if your house isn’t spotless or if your gluten-free apple pie comes out a bit burnt. None of that defines the success of the season. Letting go of perfection can reduce stress, conserve energy, and give your body the grace it deserves.

2. Make Time for Yourself

Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. If movement or exercise helps you manage symptoms and feel your best, try to incorporate it into your routine, even if it looks different during busy periods. Maybe that means exercising every other day instead of daily, taking a walk over an intense workout, or fitting in 20–30 minutes instead of a longer workout. Small, consistent efforts still support your health and well-being.

3. Prioritize Sleep

Rest is one of the most powerful tools for managing autoimmune symptoms. Aim for as much quality sleep as you can, and don’t feel guilty about taking a nap if your body needs it. While the holidays may bring later nights or disrupted schedules, paying attention to signs of fatigue and honoring your need for rest can help prevent flares and keep you feeling more balanced.

4. Decompress When You Need To

Taking a break to relax and read.

The noise, crowds, and constant activity of the holidays can be overwhelming, especially when managing an autoimmune disease. If you feel overstimulated or drained, permit yourself to step away. Spend quiet time with a book, watch a favorite show, listen to calming music, or simply sit and breathe. Even a short break can help reset your nervous system and restore your energy. Remember, it’s your holiday too, and your well-being matters just as much as any tradition.

5. Enjoy the Gluten-Free Food

Really, enjoy it! It’s okay to eat pie and savor holiday treats. The key is balance, not restriction.

The holidays are all about balance. Have fun, eat the pie, stay up late, but also take care of yourself. Let go of the idea of a "perfect" holiday and focus on what truly matters.

When you look back on your favorite holiday memories, what truly stands out? It’s not how clean the house was or how perfect everything looked. What we remember are the moments of connection, the laughter, being with the people we love, and the feeling of being loved and together.

So give yourself permission to be flexible, imperfect, and fully present. Take care of yourself so you can enjoy the season, while still indulging and embracing the beautiful chaos of the holidays.