Holiday Parties & Food Allergies: Know the Signs, Act Fast
12/16/2025
Holiday parties mean food everywhere. For people with food allergies — or parents of kids with allergies — it can be stressful.
The usual suspects: Nuts in desserts. Shellfish in appetizers. Dairy in casseroles. Eggs in baked goods.
Cross-contact is sneaky. A spoon that touched shrimp dip then touched the veggie tray? That’s enough to trigger a reaction.
MILD (monitor closely):
→ Itchy mouth, hives, nausea
SEVERE (LIFE-THREATENING):
→ Trouble breathing, throat closing
→ Swollen lips, tongue, or throat
→ Severe vomiting, dizziness, loss of consciousness
EpiPen? USE IT. Don’t hesitate. Inject into outer thigh, call 911, lie down with legs elevated.
No EpiPen + severe symptoms? Call 911 immediately.
Mild but unsure? Come to Night Watch for evaluation.
✓ Always have EpiPen and antihistamine
✓ Ask about ingredients
✓ Avoid shared serving utensils
✓ Tell someone about your allergy
Night Watch sees the whole family — we’re here if something goes wrong.
COMMENT LOVE