How to avoid seven common Christmas allergies this festive season
The holiday season – full of twinkling lights, cosy family gatherings, and the smell of fresh-baked cookies. But for some children, all that holiday cheer can come with a side of sneezes!
Winter allergies may not be as obvious as pollen-induced springtime sniffles, but they’re just as effective at killing the mood. To help avoid it this year, Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, shares his top tips to help kids dodge the most common winter allergy triggers.
1) Dust from holiday decorations
Those boxes of ornaments and decorations stored in the attic or basement for eleven months of the year are often dust magnets. Dust mites can trigger sneezes, itchy eyes, and even asthma flares for kids sensitive to these pesky particles.
Before decking the halls, give your decorations a good dust-off! Wipe them down with a damp cloth to capture dust rather than spreading it around. Investing in some plastic, airtight storage containers for next year is an even better way to keep dust at bay.
2) Mould on real Christmas trees
While nothing beats the smell of a real pine or fir tree, some live trees can harbour mould spores that worsen indoor air quality and trigger allergies.
If you’re opting for a live tree, give it a good shake before bringing it indoors to release loose debris. You can also rinse it with water (and let it dry outside) to reduce mould. Or, if you or your family members have severe allergies, a high-quality artificial tree may be a less stressful option – just be sure to dust it off each year!
3) Pet dander from visiting pets
As family and friends come over with their furry companions to celebrate the holiday season, pet dander often tags along. Dander causes a lot of allergies, especially for kids who don’t live with pets.
Set up a pet-free zone where your child can retreat if the dander starts flying. You can also keep allergy medication on hand and encourage hand-washing after cuddling with pets at Christmas. Of course, the simplest option is just to ask Uncle Bob to leave Fido at home.
4) Mould in old ornaments
Beautiful ornaments and wreaths that have seen many Christmases might carry mould, especially if stored in damp areas.
Give old decorations a quick inspection for any signs of mould. If you spot any, or notice a musty smell, it’s best to let them go and replace them. When storing them, use dry, airtight containers to keep the mould away.
5) Reactions to popular holiday foods
Seasonal treats like eggnog, gingerbread, and nut-filled goodies can be tricky if your child has food sensitivities. Tree nuts, dairy, and other allergens love to hide in holiday recipes!
You can make allergy-friendly versions of many classic Christmas treats. At gatherings, keep an eye out for any sneaky allergens, and encourage your child to check before indulging. It’s also a good idea to bring along a stash of safe treats so they always have something delicious to enjoy.
6) Winter fabrics and bedding
With winter comes layers of cosy blankets and woollen sweaters. But some winter fabrics can be irritating, especially if they haven’t been washed in a while.
Wash blankets, scarves, and other winter gear before snuggling up in them. Use hypoallergenic detergent and skip overly perfumed fabric softeners. The result will be a fresh, allergy-friendly, cosy zone for everyone.
7) Scented holiday candles
Candles with pine, cinnamon, or peppermint scents can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that irritate sensitive airways.
Swap out candles for LED lights or air purifiers with a holiday scent filter. If you can’t resist that festive aroma, consider soy-based candles with natural, essential oil scents for a gentler option.
Keep your festive season allergy-free
Winter allergies often catch families off guard because we’re all thinking about cozying up indoors, not dodging allergens. But it’s precisely that – spending more time inside with heaters on, dust piling up, and decorations that have been in storage all year – that can trigger reactions in kids prone to allergies.
These aren’t the typical pollen-driven allergies we see in spring or fall. This time of year, triggers are often dust mites, mould spores, or dander. A few simple steps – like washing stored items, setting up a pet-free zone, or keeping a close eye on food allergies – can mean your child gets to fully enjoy the season without constantly reaching for a tissue.
Winter allergies may not be the first thing you think of when preparing for the holidays, but managing them will make the festive season a little brighter for everyone!
Legacy Online School provides a high-quality, flexible, and accredited online education for students from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Their curriculum is designed to foster academic excellence and personal growth, allowing students to learn at their own pace.
