Real Christmas trees can release dormant mould once they’re brought indoors, while dusty decorations and time spent inside with pets can trigger sneezing and itchy eyes.
Christmas might be the 'most wonderful time of year', but for many, winter doesn’t mean a break from allergies. In fact, the festive season can make symptoms worse - even when outdoor pollen is long gone.
The shift to indoors is part of the problem, according to Dr Victoria Nguyen, an allergist and immunologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. As temperatures drop, people naturally spend more time inside, surrounded by common triggers like dust mites and household pets.
And your Christmas tree could also be adding to the issue.
Freshly cut trees can carry dormant mould spores that become active once they’re brought into warm homes - a reaction sometimes referred to as “Christmas tree syndrome”.
For those sensitive to mould, this can trigger itchy eyes, sneezing, congestion or even breathing difficulties.
Artificial trees aren’t always safer either. Decorations stored in lofts, garages or basements often collect dust over the year, which can lead to flare-ups as soon as they come down.
Cold weather can also play a role. While it’s not a true allergy, Nguyen said some people experience “vasomotor or nonallergic rhinitis,” where cold air alone can cause a runny nose or even hives.
How can you treat winter allergies?
Treatments range from simple avoidance measures - such as rinsing decorations, wiping down trees or using air purifiers - to medication such as antihistamines or nasal sprays.
For longer-term relief, several forms of immunotherapy exist, including sublingual tablets, injections directly into lymph nodes, or traditional allergy shots, which Nguyen said require a “two-to-five-year commitment” for full benefit.
Experts recommend seeking help if symptoms worsen or don’t improve with basic treatment.
