ARE YOU ALLERGIC TO CHRISTMAS?

It's time to deck the halls, so here's how to swerve any festive flare-ups

- 

It’s meant to be the most wonderful time of the year, but if you suffer from coughing, sneezing or itching as soon as the Christmas cards start landing on your mat, you’re not alone. For over a third of Brits*, the festivities can trigger allergies, with many complaining of hay fever-like symptoms near the tree or breaking out in rashes around the decorations. Want to feel your best throughout the celebrations? Try these expert tips to stop the sniffles and scratching.

WATER THE TREE

It’s the seasonal showstopper for many living rooms, but US scientists** who analysed Christmas trees from a range of species found they contained over 50 different types of mould. Lessen your allergic reaction by giving your real tree a good watering-down outside. ‘Hose your tree before taking it into the house – this can help remove some of the mould and spores,’ says allergy expert Max Wiseberg from HayMax.

You could also pick a Leyland Cypress – this evergreen is known as a ‘sterile’ hybrid species, meaning it doesn’t produce allergy-aggravating pollen.

PICK PLANTS WITH CARE