The arrival of December is often associated with lights, gatherings, and carols, but for many people it also means Sneezing, itchy eyes, and nasal congestion just as the tree lights come on.What seems like a simple family tradition can unknowingly become a real trap for those who suffer from respiratory allergies.
In Spain, where Christmas celebrations are experienced with particular intensity, it is common for houses to be filled with boxes that have remained closed all year. Those decorations stored in attics, storage rooms or closets accumulate dust, mites and moldwhich are dispersed into the air as soon as we start decorating the living room. And, although many people associate their allergies only with spring, the truth is that Christmas can also be a difficult time.
Why Christmas decorations trigger allergies
The boxes of decorations that are brought down every December bank holiday weekend have remained unopened for months. During all that time, Balls, garlands, wreaths, and decorative figures become a perfect refuge for dust mites. and other allergens. As soon as the boxes are opened and the decorations are shaken inside the house, these particles are released into the air and easily inhaled.
Allergist Chris Brooks, a specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explains that Many people who experience allergies in spring, summer, or autumn find that their symptoms continue or worsen when they put up the Christmas tree.The reason is simple: allergens accumulated in the decor are released precisely when we spend the most time indoors, with heating and less ventilation.
In this context, it is essential to consider the European and Spanish situation. According to the According to the Spanish Society of Allergology and Clinical Immunology (SEAIC), around 21,6% of the adult population in Spain suffers from some type of allergy.This means that a considerable number of people could experience a worsening of their symptoms during the holidays if certain precautions are not taken with home decorations and the environment.
Dust is not the only culprit behind the problems. Fungi and mold also find an ideal environment to proliferate in closed boxes and damp places.When the nativity scene box is opened or a garland stored in a damp storage room is unfurled, tiny spores can be released into the air and cause symptoms in sensitive people: cough, itchy throat, runny nose, or shortness of breath.
For those with dust mite allergies, this type of additional exposure is in addition to that of their own home. Living rooms with carpets, upholstery, and curtains that are rarely washed in winter can concentrate even more irritating particles.creating an unpleasant cocktail for noses and bronchi right in one of the most social times of the year.
Artificial Christmas trees: a breeding ground for dust, mites, and other allergens
Artificial Christmas trees are common in many European homes because they are practical, reusable, and easy to assemble. However, When stored folded in boxes or bags for months, they become covered in dust and can harbor mites, mold, and even pet dander. that are deposited on the branches year after year.
As allergist Chris Brooks points out, Symptoms associated with artificial trees can be somewhat easier to prevent if the accumulated dust is cleaned well.A good shaking outdoors, using a vacuum cleaner with a suitable filter, or wiping the branches with a slightly damp cloth before placing it in the living room can make a big difference for those suffering from allergic rhinitis or asthma.
Among the most common symptoms caused by these allergens are the Persistent nasal congestion, nighttime cough, sneezing fits, and itchy eyes and noseSometimes they are mistaken for a typical cold during the cold season, which delays the identification of the real culprit: the tree and decorations coated with irritating particles.
In addition, it should be noted that the artificial tree remains inside the home for weeks. The longer it remains assembled without being properly cleaned, the greater the accumulation of allergens. on its surface and on nearby objects, such as sofas or living room blankets.
The specialist also advises paying attention to the storage location. If the tree is stored in a damp or poorly ventilated storage room, the risk of mold appearing increases.That combination of humidity, darkness, and dust is just the scenario that fungi need to grow, so when we opened the box the following year, we found a seemingly normal tree but one loaded with spores.
Natural Christmas trees and the role of mold
Those who choose a natural fir tree usually do so because It brings the scent of the forest, a more traditional aesthetic, and a feeling of warmth that is very typical of this time of year.However, problems can also arise in this case for people with respiratory allergies, although the cause is not usually what many imagine.
According to allergists, Symptoms that arise near natural trees are not usually due to pollen.This is because these trees are cut down outside of pollen season and placed indoors in the middle of winter. The real problem arises when the tree is moved to a closed environment, which is warmer and, sometimes, more humid than the outdoors.
During transport and storage, the trunk, base, and branches can accumulate mold spores originating from the soil, ambient humidity, and the materials used in its attachmentWhen the tree is placed in a heated room, these spores are more easily released into the air we breathe, which can cause discomfort to sensitive people.
Allergist Chris Brooks emphasizes that, when A cut tree is brought indoors where the temperature is higher and there may be some humidity.Conditions are created that encourage mold growth. People with a history of asthma, allergic rhinitis, or fungal sensitivity may notice a worsening of their symptoms in the days following the tree's installation.
In Spain and other European countries, it is becoming increasingly common to buy natural trees in nurseries or temporary sales points. Choose specimens that have been stored properly and avoid keeping them indoors for too long. It can help reduce the impact on those with more delicate airways.
How to clean and store decorations to minimize allergies
Beyond choosing between an artificial or natural tree, the key lies in the small gestures prior to decorating. Thoroughly cleaning all items that have been stored for months is essential to minimize allergens. that we ended up breathing in the living room.
Specialists recommend Clean the figures, balls and ornaments with a slightly damp cloth.It's best to do this in a well-ventilated area or even outdoors, so that the dust doesn't remain suspended inside the house. For artificial trees, you can shake them well outside and, if possible, vacuum the branches and base with a good filter.
Another useful measure is Wear a mask when opening the boxes and handling the decorations.This is especially important for people with diagnosed allergies or a tendency towards rhinitis and asthma. This gesture, which may seem excessive at first glance, prevents the first cloud of dust and mites from entering directly into the nose and mouth while organizing boxes in the storage room.
Equally important is thinking about the Christmas "dismantling". Store decorations in airtight boxes, instead of open bags or broken boxes.It significantly reduces dust accumulation and moisture entry throughout the year. This way, when December returns, the amount of allergens will be noticeably lower.
It's also a good idea to check where the boxes are stored: Avoid very humid areas, with leaks or condensation. It's essential to prevent mold from growing. A dry, well-ventilated storage room with boxes raised off the floor is always better than a dark, damp corner.
Food allergies at Christmas: be careful with traditional dishes
The other side of Christmas allergies isn't in the lights or the trees, but on the dinner table. The doctor Tomás Chivato, allergist and dean of the Faculty of Medicine at San Pablo CEU UniversityEvery year, it reminds us of the importance of watching what we eat and drink during these holidays, especially for people with food allergies or intolerances.
The celebrations of Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day They are usually accompanied by lavish menus, long appetizers, and leisurely after-dinner conversations. Although the atmosphere encourages one to "let loose," Chivato insists that overindulging is not a good idea, neither for those with allergies nor for those without, both because of the digestive strain and the risk of inadvertently ingesting an allergen.
This specialist emphasizes a classic principle: Moderation in food and drinkFor people with food allergies, such as to nuts, shellfish, eggs, or certain additives, extra caution is needed. Shared dishes, assorted canapés, and homemade desserts with poorly detailed ingredient lists can cause adverse reactions if you don't carefully ask what's in each recipe.
In addition to the strictly allergic aspect, Chivato warns that the Alcohol is a "very bad companion" for drivingThis is especially relevant during a time of year with a lot of travel, often in adverse weather conditions. Dinners and toasts can not only complicate digestion or trigger reactions, but also increase the risk of driving if you don't act responsibly.
Despite everything, the allergist's message is positive: It is perfectly possible to enjoy Christmas meals, family gatherings, and the festive atmosphere while maintaining prudence.Planning menus taking into account the allergies of all diners, notifying in advance of any problematic foods and opting for more reasonable portions helps to avoid surprises in the middle of the celebration.
When we talk about allergies at Christmas, we often think only of the cold or the classic winter cold, but the real challenge lies in what we put in the living room and what we serve on the table. The combination of dusty, moldy trees and decorations, along with lavish feasts where food allergens can creep in, makes this time of year a delicate one for millions of people.With a few simple habits—cleaning and storing decorations properly, ventilating the house, wearing a mask when handling boxes, moderating meals, and checking ingredients—it is possible to maintain the "magic" of these holidays without it being accompanied by sneezing, coughing, or unnecessary health scares.