Could You Be Allergic to Your Christmas Tree?

It’s the same story, year after year. You put on the carols, help yourself to a generous cup of eggnog and decorate the house for the holidays. It’s the stuff Christmas memories are made of.

But it’s hard to get into the spirit. Because as soon as that tree goes up, you feel awful.

It’s not a coincidence. It’s not humbug. And it doesn’t mean that you’re a Grinch at heart either. Nope, you just have a case of Christmas tree syndrome.

What is Christmas tree syndrome?

Christmas tree syndrome is basically just a fun name for an allergy exacerbation.

“When people bring a real or artificial tree into their home and notice some worsening of their allergy symptoms, it’s sometimes referred to as ‘Christmas tree syndrome,’” explains allergist DeVon Preston, MD.

There are lots of events that can kick our allergies into high gear, like turning on the heat for the first time or traveling somewhere new. If after putting up your Christmas tree, you find yourself sniffling, sneezing or struggling with other common allergy symptoms, your holiday décor’s probably bombarding you with irritants.

Common symptoms of Christmas tree syndrome

The only thing distinguishing Christmas tree syndrome from other (mild) allergy spikes is the festive circumstances. You’ll likely have the same symptoms you normally get when your allergies are running wild, like:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Nasal congestion
• Red, itchy eyes
• Rashes, hives or itchy skin
• Sore throat
• Sinus pressure

Christmas tree syndrome symptoms are unpleasant. But a slight exacerbation of your allergies isn’t life-threatening.

Severe allergic reactions, on the other hand, are medical emergencies. If you’re experiencing extreme allergy symptoms like shortness of breath, swelling of the tongue or a rapid heart rate, Dr. Preston urges you to call 911 or emergency services.

Why does it happen?

It’s called Christmas tree syndrome, so the cause is pretty obvious. Right?

Not really.

Turns out, being allergic to pine trees is rare. But it’s possible that smelling a pine tree could irritate your sinuses and lungs. That’s thanks to a chemical compound called terpene. Many strong-smelling plants have terpenes, including lavender, rosemary, thyme, basil, orange peels, cloves and ginger.

So, yes. Your tree could be the cause of your problems. But it probably isn’t the only cause.

Dr. Preston notes that Christmas trees — both real and artificial — tend to bring outdoor allergens into your home with them. Weed pollen, rosin, dust mites, insect droppings, pesticides and mold are just a few of the potential passengers. They’re also common triggers of allergic asthma.

It’s also possible that another part of your Yuletide décor is causing your allergies. Flocking (aerosolized artificial snow) can wreak havoc on your airway and trigger allergies. The same’s true of fireplaces, scented candles, seasonal plants and more.

What to do about Christmas tree syndrome

There are lots of ways you can prevent or treat Christmas tree syndrome. Dr. Preston shares some tips to keep your season jolly.

• Select the right kind of tree. If you have a pine tree allergy, consider opting for an artificial tree. If you still want the genuine article, seek out a fir, spruce or cypress tree. Hybrid trees like the Leyland Cypress are bred to be less irritating. But they can be hard to come by.
• Prep your tree before it goes up. Whether you’re working with an artificial evergreen or the real deal, shaking out and hosing down the tree goes a long way toward reducing allergens.
• Decorate mindfully. If you have a bunch of allergies, it’s probably best to skip the boughs of holly, cinnamon brooms and poinsettias.
• Cover up when you deck the halls. Real or fake, decorating a Christmas tree can really scratch you up. Introducing the irritants on the tree into your skin can cause rashes, hives and other unpleasant skin symptoms. So, when it’s time to decorate your tree, don an ugly (or not-so-ugly) sweater that covers your arms. If you’re really allergic, consider wearing gloves, too.
• Clean your ornaments. The beautiful ornaments you use to decorate your tree spend most of the year gathering dust. So, removing any crud they’ve accumulated can make a big difference. Just be sure to wear a mask. That way, you won’t get a face full of the irritants you’re trying to remove. And if you don’t already, store your tree-trimming essentials in an airtight container.
• Use over-the-counter allergy medications. “Things like over-the-counter nasal steroids, nasal antihistamines or oral antihistamines can help manage your symptoms,” Dr. Preston says. If you already take prescription medications for allergies or asthma, talk to your provider. They can make sure you aren’t over- or undertreating your condition.
• Use air purifiers. Running an air purifier near your tree is a great way to filter mold spores, dust, pollen and other irritants from the air.
• Change clothes, shower or both. The longer you go without a shower or a change of clothes, the longer environmental allergens get to hang out on your body. A “costume change” or a short shower at night means you don’t have to bring those particles to bed with you.
• Take the tree down quickly. Many of us are slow to let our Christmas tree go at the end of the holiday season. But if you have Christmas tree syndrome, Dr. Preston warns against it. Mold can continue to grow on a tree long after you bring it inside. And keeping a tree up gives it more time to collect dust.
• Store artificial trees properly. If you’re using an artificial tree, it’s important to store it in an airtight container. Otherwise, it’ll spend the rest of the year accumulating dust, mold and pollen.

Follow up with a doctor

Nobody likes to feel sick around Christmas. But if your allergies disappear with your holiday decorations, you may not think it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider about them.

But if you’re miserable over the holidays, it’s worth finding out why. That information could help you better manage your symptoms — and really enjoy your Christmas tree — in the years to come.

Make the Yuletide allergy-free

For some people, rocking around the Christmas tree can worsen their allergy symptoms. But there are many ways to prevent or manage Christmas tree syndrome side effects.

And while Christmas tree syndrome is a mild worsening of your typical seasonal allergies, it’s not the same thing as anaphylaxis. If you’re experiencing severe allergy symptoms, get immediate medical attention.