Every year around this time, people ask the same sweet, well-intentioned question:

“What do you want for Christmas?”

Socks are fine. Candles are fine. I will absolutely pretend to be thrilled by another neutral-scented lotion.

But if we’re being honest…

If we’re being celiac-level honest?

Here is my real list.

🎄 First: Cloud-Soft Gluten-Free Cinnamon Rolls

I want gluten-free cinnamon rolls that are as light as clouds.

• Not “pretty good for gluten-free.”
• Not “acceptable if you warm it up and lower your expectations.”
• Not a cinnamon roll that doubles as a doorstop.

I want a cinnamon roll so fluffy it makes people whisper when they bite into it. A roll where the middle melts. A roll that doesn’t require emotional support butter.

🪄 Second: The Magic Gluten Sensor Wand

I would like a magic gluten sensor wand.

I want to wave it over my plate like a tiny medical Harry Potter and have it either glow green (safe)… or scream red (danger, danger, croutons ahead).

• No more awkward restaurant interrogations.
• No more “I think it’s fine.”
• No more trusting someone who just confidently told me sourdough is gluten free.

❤️ Third—and This Is the Big One: The Cure

I would like the cure.

The real one. The safe one. The one that lets me return to a gluten-containing diet without pain, inflammation, long-term damage, or fear.

The one where I eat the bread and my immune system calmly says, “No notes.”

“Hope exists — but right now, it comes with footnotes.”

And the thing is…

They are working on it.

There are real trials. Real science. Real momentum. Researchers are actively studying disease-modifying therapies and immune-targeted treatments for celiac disease (PubMed, 2023).

But it’s not ready yet. And we don’t fully know the side-effect profile. And hope, right now, comes with disclaimers.

✨ The Near-Miracles I’ll Take This Christmas

• Safe kitchens
• Educated servers
• Labels that actually tell the truth
• Friends who read ingredients without rolling their eyes
• And maybe… a biscuit that doesn’t require a pep talk

I’ll keep dreaming about the cure. I’ll keep watching the research. I’ll keep showing up to the holidays with my own food, or hosting at my house, and asking the questions we all wish we didn’t have to ask.

And I’ll keep believing that someday, this list won’t be wishful thinking.

Until then, Santa, if you’re listening:

I’ll take the cloud biscuits and the magic scanner first. The cure can follow when science says it’s safe.

— FatCeliac 🎄

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Read more:

• What It’s Really Like to Live With Celiac Disease
• How to Stay Safe Eating Out With Celiac

👉 If this made you laugh, nod, or tear up — share it with someone who loves a celiac.