It's the holiday season, so, naturally, a major thing on everyone's mind is food. Holiday food is the best kind of food (mainly because it never seems to end). Just keep in mind your guests who have different diets than you do.

For an example: I have Celiac disease. When it comes to events, I can work my way around food. I can figure it out for myself, but I would still like a gluten-free option. I'm not asking for the entire meal to be gluten-free; just an option of it. Meat is usually a crowd-pleaser. Salad is fine. I just don't want to go to an event feeling hungry the entire time, eating nothing while everyone else does, and waiting until I can leave so I can finally eat.

When inviting people over, please kindly ask if there are any allergies/restrictions in the guests' diets. It just makes everyone happy when everyone can eat. It does not take a lot to reach out and ask. If I were hosting an event and I found out that someone can't eat what I served, I'd feel pretty terrible.

This can go both ways, though. If you have a dietary restriction, feel free to reach out and tell the host. If they can't accommodate you, then offer to bring something both for their table and something you can eat. That way, everyone gets a part of it, and it doesn't just seem like you brought your own dinner to a dinner party.

Desserts are always tricky throughout the holidays. My advice: always have something on-hand that isn't cookies. Meaning: keep a hidden stash of candies or other snacks just in case someone at your event can't enjoy the cookies or pie.

I recently attended a department Christmas party, and all the food contained gluten. While I sat in hunger for a few hours (and I ended up leaving early to get food), I had people coming up and asking me why I wasn't eating. I had to kindly explain to them that gluten isn't for everybody. I felt bad because it made the hosts feel bad. I was not sure of the kind of food to expect. Of course, I wanted to eat what was there, but because of my condition, I couldn't.

Be on the lookout for the big three allergies: gluten, dairy, and peanuts. These seem to be the most common allergies/ restrictions, and should be the easiest to accommodate. Of course, if you can, please be courteous of other allergies or restrictions as well. This includes religious restrictions. Vegetarians and vegans, believe it or not, have it a little easier.

Have a wonderful holiday season, be courteous (because not everyone can eat what you can), and happy cooking!