When I was growing up, we always had artificial Christmas trees. As an adult, after every visit to a home with a "real" tree, I would sneeze and have a runny nose. I realized that I must be allergic to the trees. And, indeed, natural Christmas trees are a source of mold and contaminating pollens such as ragweed; the evergreen pollen itself doesn't usually present a problem, but the trees can harbor other airborne pollens. There are other possible problems as well. In rare cases, tree sap can cause an allergic rash. Also, real trees and garland are sometimes sprayed with a chemical to keep them green; in some people, this spray can cause respiratory symptoms.
However, life is never simple, especially when dealing with allergies. :-) Artificial Christmas trees which are stored year after year can also be a potential source for mold or dust. So, what do you do?
You can reduce the allergens from your tree, whether real or artificial. A natural tree should be hosed down outside then set up in the garage till dry. To avoid contact with the sap, gloves can be worn while handling the tree. An artificial tree can be wiped clean with a damp cloth. Ornaments should be wiped off or dusted as well.
The holiday season also increases the risk of exposure to food allergens. Many of the culprits are hidden ingredients; some of the most common are: dairy, eggs, peanuts, and tree nuts. In some cases, the best solution may be to avoid holiday party foods or only eat what you prepare yourself. Another thing to keep in mind is that smoking or just being in a smoke-filled room can intensify food allergy reactions.
Common holiday accents can affect sensitive individuals as well. The Allergy Center of Huntsville recommends, for example, avoiding scented candles and potpourri. A healthier way to enjoy holiday aroma, the site suggests, is with a homemade potpourri, using cinnamon, cloves, vanilla, or peppermint.
If exposure to allergens could have serious adverse effects, you might consider inviting guests to your home. Family and friends often don't understand that some allergies and sensitivities can be severe, so they may not want to make the necessary adjustments, or they may not be able to do so, depending on the situation. However, sometimes sharing allergy information with your host can help to solve the problem.
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