CHOCOLATE tree decorations, Christmas puddings and selection boxes are an exciting part of Christmas for any child - or adult.

But how would you cope with the festive season if you were allergic to any of its ingredients?

Nut, milk, egg and wheat allergies can turn Christmas dinners and parties upside down.

You might be used to catering for your child's needs at home, but organisers of school parties and family get-togethers might not be so well prepared.

Jayne Dwyer whose daughter suffers from multiple allergies, said forward planning was essential.

"Most seasonal food poses a threat to people with allergies," said Jayne, of Holgate, York. "Nuts, marzipan, stollen and puddings will generally contain some allergens. But I've found that you can cook almost anything yourself from scratch. You have to be quite inventive, but it's just a different way of doing things.

"You can get a lot from supermarkets, but a lot of 'free from' ranges aren't that good because they often have a nut warning on them.

A company called Kinnerton are really good and make a nut, egg and dairy free chocolate which you can cook with."

With so many things to think about, Christmas hosts can often forget about catering for allergies.

"Christmas is a very busy time of year and people who are aware of your child's allergies might accidentally forget about them, not because they're being nasty, but because there's so much to think about," said Jayne.

"At Christmas, food becomes more of a focus for people. Lots of sweets are given out and there are lots of treats at school.

"Party food tends to be more complicated and people can easily make mistakes. We're fortunate because our child is much older and she can speak for herself and knows when she can't eat something, but it can be hard for parents who have young children because younger children swap foods.

"It depends where you are going and how well you know people as to the approach you should take, but try to prepare a list of things your child can eat for whoever is cooking.

"Parents have to be very specific though; it is no use saying: 'My child can eat rich tea biscuits'. You have to say which brand as every brand is different and can change overnight."

Jayne said it was important to encourage children to speak up at parties and understand why they should not eat certain things.

"It can be hard for your child not being able to eat what they want to, but you have to get it into perspective.

"My daughter has learned that if she gets a treat at school, okay she can't have it, but she will bring it home for her brother and I will give her something else.

"At the end of the day Christmas is not really about food so if you find a different focus for it then that will help."

For help, information and advice, phone The Anaphylaxis Campaign on 01252 542029.

What you need to watch for

1. Be vigilant in shops where nuts may be sold loose by the pound (monkey nuts are a particular hazard as their shells break easily).

2. Remind your child not to touch anything that looks like a nut. It may be a long time since they have seen one. Draw pictures and discuss it with them.

3. Remember, marzipan is made from almonds and white icing often includes egg.

4. Remind everyone who cares for your child about any dangers and go through emergency procedures again.

5. Tradition is hard to break and "Aunty Ethel" may have placed nuts on her sideboard for the last few decades. Have a quiet word before visiting.

6. Eating out can be risky at the best of times, but at Christmas time especially. Be incredibly vigilant. Talk to the chef as well as waiting staff. If you have the allergy, tell eating companions about your condition and how they could help in an emergency.

6. Be careful when buying seasonal products which you are unsure of. Avoid anything without labelling. Buy products only when you are confident of the labelling policy.

7. A home-made Advent Calendar will be extra special. If your child can have dairy products, look for Kinnerton products which state, "nut free zone". Otherwise put little stocking fillers in numbered envelopes or sewn felt pockets or hide little parcels around the house.

8. Don't buy gifts of food for people with allergies unless you are sure what is in them.

9. Prepare a list of things you can eat for hosts, but remember to be specific about brands.

10. Encourage your children to speak for themselves and be aware of what they can and can't eat.

Updated: 08:24 Friday, December 23, 2005