The comforting warmth of decorations, shimmering lights, and obviously the Christmas tree boldly standing in the middle of your house define the festive season.
For some, unfortunately, the joy of a real Christmas tree has an unwelcome side effect: allergies.
Whether you plan to bring in a real tree yourself this year or choose live Christmas tree delivery, you need to learn a bit more about these allergies.
Is the tree itself the cause of the issue or is there another hidden element that exacerbates your symptoms? Let us help you enjoy the holidays free of sneezing!
Understanding Christmas Tree Allergies
Though most people believe the conifer itself causes holiday sniffles, that is not accurate. Actually, Christmas tree allergies can result from various elements, many of which have little to do with the fir itself.
Therefore, it’s important to know what’s actually going on before you write off the idea of having a live tree in your house.
Particularly popular variants like fir, pine, and spruce can contain allergens. Still, the main offenders are often the pollen, dust, and mould sticking to the tree. Firs gather some unsanitary agents from their surroundings, including mould spores, which flourish in moist environments.
Allergic individuals can experience severe reactions to these spores, especially considering that the warmth helps the mould proliferate. Add to it the dust the tree would have accumulated during its development, movement, and storage. You end up with an ‘ideal’ mix causing watery eyes, sneezing, and a sore throat.
Symptoms to Watch Out For
Christmas tree allergic reactions range from moderate to somewhat severe. If you begin exhibiting the following signs shortly after bringing a tree indoors, allergies could be the reason:
- Nasal discharge and sneezing
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Coughing or wheezing
- Skin rashes and hives
- A scratchy throat
These symptoms resemble those brought on by other indoor allergens or hay fever. Particularly in the cold winter when both allergies and other viruses are somewhat widespread, they could be confused with those of a typical cold.
And here are some tips on how to manage asthma.
Why Choose Live Christmas Tree Delivery?
Although the process of choosing and arranging a real conifer becomes much simpler with live Christmas tree delivery, does it have any effect on reducing the possibility of allergies? Well, it can actually help somewhat.
While the delivery service itself won’t change the allergies involved, it can help to lower your stress. If you already have winter sniffles, for example, having your tree delivered will save you from the physical strain of going out into chilly conditions and hauling it yourself.
Many businesses guarantee that their firs are fresh and delivered straight from the farm, therefore lowering the possibility of dust and pollutants clinging to them.
They also offer tips on how to properly care for the tree to eliminate allergens. Some even have pre-cleaned varieties.
Once the tree arrives, though, it’s still a smart idea to go the extra mile to reduce allergen exposure.
Tips for Minimising Allergies
Don’t worry if you’re dedicated to having a genuine tree despite allergies. There are several ways to enjoy the festive appeal of a real Christmas spruce without suffering through continuous sneezing fits. These are some suggestions:
Clean the Tree Before Bringing It Inside
Although it sounds odd, a good rinse can make all the difference. Spray the tree with a hose, concentrating on branches where dust, pollen, and mould spores are most likely to be lurking.
Before bringing the tree home, let it thoroughly dry to prevent adding moisture that can boost the spread of mould.
Consider a Shorter Stay for the Tree
The longer the conifer remains at your house, the more likely it is for mould to develop and allergens to gather.
Rather than starting around the beginning of December, you could choose to bring your tree indoors closer to Christmas Day. This shorter exposure can stop overly strong allergic reactions.
Use an Air Purifier
Placing an air purifier close to the tree will help eliminate other airborne irritants, such as pollen and dust. These silent background devices can significantly improve air quality, therefore maintaining the freshness of your interior space.
Keep the Area Clean
Regularly sweep or hoover the area surrounding the tree to gather dust and fallen needles. Since it carries allergens, the sap from the tree can also cause skin irritation. So, make sure to wear protective gloves while handling the tree, particularly when decorating it.
Consult a Doctor
One further suggestion is to see an allergist prior to the Christmas season. They can suggest drugs or treatments to assist in managing your symptoms. This will enable you to enjoy the festive season free from interruptions and continual congestion or sneezing.
Alternatives to Real Christmas Trees
Should allergies persist in spite of your best efforts, you could look for other options. Although live Christmas evergreens enhance the holiday atmosphere, they are not your only choice.
Artificial Trees
Modern fake conifers are meant to resemble real ones in appearance and feel, minus all those annoying triggers. These hypoallergenic trees can be used for many years with appropriate storage and cleaning.
Although they lack that traditional woody aroma, you can always add some pine-scented candles or essential oils to capture the festive mood.
Potted Trees
This is another good substitute for allergic people. Unlike a cut one, a potted tree can be placed indoors temporarily and then put back outside following the holiday season.
This is a sustainable choice since you can replant these trees in your garden. Since they haven’t been chopped down and exposed to as many outdoor factors, they carry fewer irritants.
Christmas ought to be a celebration, not a time for misery and discomfort. You can enjoy the beauty of a real tree free from the associated unease with some wise decisions and minimal preparation.
Your holiday won’t be ruined by allergies whether you select a potted plant, an artificial tree, or a live Christmas tree delivery service.
Also, with the correct measures, you can reduce your exposure and focus on what actually counts, creating priceless holiday memories with loved ones.
