<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> I'm just not looking forward to the number of times I'll be repeating the story this first Christmas with family (and Sprue) since I moved here. Maybe I'll make a recording... >>>>>>The easiest thing to do is to just say you have developed an *allergy* to some grains-- then quickly change the subject. I *hate* having to hash out explaining the disease & the diet over & over. Most people don't get it anyway....... Even the most simple of enquiring minds can usually understand *allergy*. Plus-- you can always just say *No thanks* to some food offering without going into the *I can't have that* littany. Standard refusal lines like "I'm full" or or "I'm watching my weight" work just as well & are universally accepted!!! Ha ha ha - you can get through the holidays! Fran -- mailto:[log in to unmask] "A circle of friends ~ you know how a circle never ends...."