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Surviving Christmas sniffles: expert highlights common causes of festive allergic reactions and how to deal with them
Key Points:
- Expert lists some of the most common causes of winter allergies and explains how to prevent them
- Deal with dusty and moldy decorations, itchy Christmas sweaters, and allergy-inducing festive snacks
- Expert explains the importance of understanding specific seasonal allergy triggers
The holiday season—full of twinkling lights, cozy 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,” says Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, which provides high-quality online education for students up to 12th grade.
Here, Vasilii gives his top tips to help kids dodge the most common winter allergy triggers and make this season as jolly and reaction-free as possible.
1. Deck The Halls—Without The Dust Bunnies
Trigger: Dust from holiday decorations.
The Sneaky Culprit: 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.
Expert Tip: 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,” Vasilii advises. “Investing in some plastic, airtight storage containers for next year is an even better way to keep dust at bay.”
2. Oh, Christmas Tree? Try Achoo, Christmas Tree!
Trigger: Mold on real Christmas trees.
The Sneaky Culprit: While nothing beats the smell of a real pine or fir tree, some live trees can harbor mold spores that worsen indoor air quality and trigger allergies.
Expert Tip: 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 mold. 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. Fur-tive Friends
Trigger: Pet dander from visiting pets.
The Sneaky Culprit: 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.
Expert Tip: 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. “Of course, the simplest option is just to ask Uncle Bob to leave Fido at home,” Vasilii says.
4. The Moldy Oldies
Trigger: Mold in old ornaments.
The Sneaky Culprit: Beautiful ornaments and wreaths that have seen many Christmases might carry mold, especially if stored in damp areas.
Expert Tip: Give old decorations a quick inspection for any signs of mold. 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 mold away.
5. Sugar And Spice And… Achoo!
Trigger: Reactions to popular holiday foods.
The Sneaky Culprit: 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!
Expert Tip: “You can make allergy-friendly versions of many classic Christmas treats,” says Vasilii. 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. Warm & Fuzzy—But Also Itchy
Trigger: Winter fabrics and bedding.
The Sneaky Culprit: With winter comes layers of cozy blankets and woolen sweaters. But some winter fabrics can be irritating, especially if they haven’t been washed in a while.
Expert Tip: 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, cozy zone for everyone.
7. Sniffles In A Jar?
Trigger: Scented holiday candles.
The Sneaky Culprit: Candles with pine, cinnamon, or peppermint scents can release VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that irritate sensitive airways.
Expert Tip: 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.
Vasilii Kiselev, CEO and co-founder of Legacy Online School, commented:
“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, mold 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!”
About Legacy Online School 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. With a team of experienced educators, Legacy Online School combines interactive digital tools with personalized support, ensuring each student’s success. The school emphasizes a well-rounded education, including extracurricular activities and college prep guidance, to prepare students for future endeavors.
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Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
