‘Christmas tree syndrome’ and 3 other reasons for your runny winter nose

Allergic to Christmas? It doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a Grinch.

If your nose starts running the moment temperatures drop and you start putting up Christmas decorations, it may be allergies instead of a seasonal virus. 

“Whilst having a cold is synonymous with winter and it’s not unusual to be poorly at Christmas time, it may not be the common cold that’s causing your runny nose,” Dr. Bhavini Shah, a physician from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, told The Sun.

“A blocked or runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, sneezing and coughing could also be signs of allergies caused by your Christmas decorations,” Shah continued.

There are several reasons your immune system may be responding to holiday cheer.

‘Christmas tree syndrome’ 

Some people may develop “Christmas tree syndrome,” an allergic response to the seasonal staple.

“’Christmas tree syndrome’ is a term used to describe allergic reactions or respiratory issues that some people experience when they’re around real Christmas trees,” Shah said. 

“The term refers to symptoms such as sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, congestion or even asthma flare-ups that can occur due to mold spores, pollen or other allergens that may be present on the tree,” she continued. 

Christmas trees can also be a danger to those with asthma and cause difficulty breathing.

Pollen and mold 

Sure, Christmas trees have holiday cheer — but they also have pollen, which can trigger allergies. 

“If you are allergic to pollen, you may experience hay fever, typically in the spring and summer months,” Shah explained. 

“However, Christmas trees can also contain pollen and therefore may trigger hay fever-like symptoms.”

Christmas trees can be taken over by unhealthy mold spores.

“Mold spores can be present on Christmas trees, particularly live trees like pine, fir or spruce,” Shah explained. 

“Trees are grown outdoors where they can pick up mold spores from the surrounding environment, especially in damp or humid areas.”

When brought inside, mold spores can become airborne and, thus, trigger reactions.

She advised people with those allergies to get a fake tree instead.

Decorations

Pulling out decorations from an attic, garage or storage space can create a cloud of dust and a host of problems. 

 “Christmas decorations are stored away collecting dust for much of the year,” Shah said. 

“This means they can trigger allergies because dust often contains a mix of particles like pollen, mold spores and dust mites,” she explained. 

Wiping down decorations with a wet cloth before handling them can minimize dust and allergies.

But dust isn’t the only culprit. People can be allergic to dust mites, which are “tiny harmless creatures” that live in dust itself. 

“When individuals with dust mite allergies inhale these particles or come into contact with them, their immune system reacts by releasing histamine and other chemicals, leading to allergic reactions,” Shah said.

Scented candles 

Scented candles contain chemicals that can light up someone’s allergies. 

“Many scented candles contain synthetic fragrances, dyes and additives that release volatile organic compounds when burned,” Shah said.

“These chemicals can irritate the respiratory system, leading to symptoms like coughing, sneezing or congestion.”