Allergies don't take a vacation during the holidays. There's a spike in reported allergies this time of year, quite often because our homes are closed for winter, and we're dealing with dust, dust mites, mould, and other indoor allergens. I posted some helpful tips HERE for surviving winter allergies, but hadn't really considered just how allergy-filled our holiday decor may be. According to a recent study done by the folks at Claritin, 43% of people report that they take allergies into consideration when decorating for the holidays. I wasn't part of that 43%, but I'm sure listening now. I had the chance to chat with Colin McAllister, of Colin & Justin fame last week, and he shared with me some absolutely fabulous tips for allergy-friendly holiday decorating.
When we're decorating, we often forget that allergens could be hiding anywhere. For example, do you store your ornaments in the garage? Do you clean them when you take them out every year? I don't, and it had never dawned on me that with those lovely ornaments I bring inside, comes a year's worth of dust. Do you use a real tree? Had you considered that the tree is not, in fact, alive, but in a state of decomposition, which means it's rife with dust, mould and pollens (and who knows what else)?
Yeah. Not so merry, huh? Well, fret not, Colin & Justin to the rescue with these helpful tips to keep allergies at bay and keep that "feel-good factor" alive.
Real Christmas Trees
Choose: If a real tree is a must-have, consider avoiding pine as it's a major allergy trigger for many. Fir, spruce, and cypress are often better options. Even better: The Leyland Spruce, a sterile hybrid tree that doesn't even produce pollen. (Say what? Crazy!)
Shake: Make sure you have the tree shaken vigorously to remove and dead needles, and rid it of as much dust and pollen as possible.
Wash: Spraying off your tree will help remove potential allergens, and for even more effective results, using a vegetable wash will also remove any pesticides (another major irritant).
Colin also mentioned that if you absolutely must have a real tree, keeping it outside on a porch is a great option.
Artificial Trees
Choose: Choose a polyethylene (PE) tree to reduce the off-gassing from the materials used to make your tree.
Wash: Make sure you're thoroughly washing your tree when you take it out of storage. It's likely full of dust and mould, and considering wrapping it in plastic for storage next time around.
Alternatively, get creative! Choose a metal-framed tree, or these unique (and environmentally-friendly) cardboard trees from Boutique Cascades. One year, Colin used projectors to project winter and seasonal images on walls and ceilings in their home—how cool is that idea?
Decorations
Dump granny's potpourri. Scents are major allergy triggers and are often toxic anyhow. Colin & Justin recommend avoiding the stuffed noses and irritated lungs altogether and go with unscented soy or beeswax candles to create a lovely atmosphere. I love simmering some mulling spices to give the house that warm, Christmassy smell myself.
Dust ornaments before you place them inside. In fact, unwrap them outside to avoid bringing allergens inside at all. Wipe with a soft cloth and when you're packing them up again, use fresh paper (rather than reusing the old dusty wrappings).
Clean wreaths with a soft cloth or vacuum (HEPA filter preferred!) to remove dust and other particles.
Entertaining
According to the Claritin study, 50% of people have declined invitations because of a pet in the home. Remember that when you're inviting guests! Be sure to inquire about allergies, and be the host with the most by making your home as allergy-free as possible. Carpets house gazillions of icky allergens (that I try not to think about), so when cleaning your home, make sure you're using a vacuum with a HEPA filter so you're not just throwing everything back into the air.
I'd like to extend another huge thanks to Colin for the enlightening chat. I'm off to scrub down my Christmas tree, because I'm wholly disgusted by what may be lurking within.
Happy (allergy-friendly) decorating, everyone!
Printer-friendly version