Dec 13, 2018

Dealing with Christmas Tree Allergies

Archive.

If you suffer from seasonal or dust allergies, you know the struggle of battling an allergy attack while getting out all the Christmas decorations. Dusty ornaments and tree allergies can make enjoying the Christmas season difficult if you can’t stop the watery eyes and sneezing.  We’ve compiled a few tips below to help you manage allergies this year when it’s time to decorate the house for Christmas.

Decide between a real or artificial tree

Deciding whether to get a real or artificial tree is a big decision for anyone, but it may be especially important if you or someone in your family has allergies. There are pros and cons to both, which might help you decide which is best for your family.

Real trees can have mold, pollen, or sap that trigger allergies, but artificial trees can also have dust and mold.  In addition, many artificial trees are made of materials that contain toxins.  So what can you do to reduce the allergens you bring into your home when you decorate for Christmas?

Tips for real trees

There are several kinds of Christmas trees: Pine, spruce, fir, and cypress.  Choose a tree that is not an allergen trigger for you or your family.  Some trees don’t produce pollen and are less likely to have other allergens, so do your research, and ask someone at your local Christmas tree farm which tree would be best for your family.

Once you have chosen a tree, shake off any dead needles and possible dust and mold. You should also wash your tree before bringing it inside to decorate. Simply spray your tree with water and allow it to dry overnight.

Tips for artificial trees

Artificial trees often spend the majority of the year in a dusty box in the attic.  When you bring out your artificial tree, be sure to wipe it down carefully to get rid of any dust that may have collected.

When you are buying an artificial tree, look for ones made of polyethylene instead of PVC.  These trees contain fewer toxins, which means they won’t be as likely to contaminate the air inside your house.

Try an outdoor tree instead

If you’ve done everything you can think of to make your Christmas tree allergy friendly, and it hasn’t worked, that doesn’t mean you have to give up having a Christmas tree. Instead, consider putting one on your front or back porch, or maybe somewhere in your yard.  That way you can still enjoy the festivity without the allergens taking over your home.  

Tips for decorating

Sometimes the primary source of allergens isn’t the tree, but the ornaments and other decorations.  As you bring decorations like ornaments and wreathes out of the attic, make sure to clean and dust them thoroughly before you use them.

An allergy-friendly Christmas is not as difficult to achieve as you might think.  If you choose the right kind of tree and clean your ornaments and other decorations well, you’ll be able to enjoy the season and all of its festivities without any difficulty.

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