Colin and Justin: Make your holiday decor more breezy than sneezy

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As toxic forces combine to threaten your holiday spirit, a few well-chosen steps can help you breathe easier

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We’ve been fortunate – for the most part, certainly – to navigate life sans major allergies, and for that we’re eternally grateful. 

It should be noted, however, that there’s one (very basic) pollutant that seldom fails to trigger our central nervous systems: dust. 

Courtesy of our vacuum, however (and back up antihistamines) we allay most “D’ word issues, but when it comes to decorating ahead of the festive season, we’re extra careful, mindful that the ‘humble’ Christmas tree can – literally – tempt allergenic meltdown, or that that an undusted bauble can ruin the party.

Studying a survey by a leading allergy brand (Claritin) which highlights issues during the holiday period, we were somewhat surprised by that which we learned.

The survey noted that 60% of allergy sufferers describe issues as moderate to severe, the most common triggers being dust (at 79 per cent, we’re in good company), pets at 68 per cent and carpets at 54 per cent. 

Additionally, 43 per cent of participants admitted they take allergies into consideration when choosing holiday décor.

Issues, we learned, also impact socializing: nearly one-in-three questionees said they’d decline a festive invite, lest allergens made them uncomfortable.

In our own quest to help people breathe more easily, we’ve compiled a guide to allay (at least some of) the toxic woes that can spoil the party. 

Genuine Christmas trees

These, havens for dust and pollen, can signal trouble. What’s more their sap, and the pesticides used to accelerate growth, can be problematic, hence the buzz term ‘Christmas Tree Syndrome’. 

Avoid pine trees, whose pollen can be a major respiratory trigger, and select genus like Fir and Spruce, or Leyland Cypress, a sterile hybrid that doesn’t produce pollen.

Spin class

Many tree farms have mechanical shakers to remove dead needles, dust and mould. If they don’t, shop elsewhere. 

Wash and go

Before bringing inside, hose your tree with water, dry in the garage, then spray with ‘Veggie Wash’ (from Walmart) to minimize pesticide residue, another major irritant.

Faking it

If your synthetic tree has been stored in the garage, it’s probably full of dust, or even mould. Haul it into the garden, give it a wash and allow to dry before bringing indoors.

If buying new, choose a tree with less PVC content (check box for components) to minimise gasses in the home and environment – Home Depot stock variants such as this – and be mindful that flocked trees can, in some cases, be poisonous to pets.

Tree alternatives

Choose driftwood covered wire shapes – Homesense have several options, or consider a non-allergenic paper tree (available in various sizes) from West Elm – www.westelm.ca 

Dust off baubles

Retrieved from storage, these may be coated in grime or invisible mold. Unwrap outdoors, and wipe with a damp cloth before hanging. At the end of the season, wrap in fresh paper, rather than re-using old paper, to avoid further contamination. 

Artificial wreaths

Clean with a soft cloth, or use a vacuum with a HEPA filter, like the Dyson Animal, to keep dust in the cleaner, rather than in the air.

Real wreaths

Treat these, to reduce allergens, the same way you would a real Christmas trees, as before. 

Avoid cheap scented candles

These can cause stuffy noses and irritated lungs. If you crave atmosphere, try unscented beeswax or soy wax candles. Packaging should explain the difference between synthetic lab’ created ‘fragranced’ oils, and ‘essential’ oils derived from plants and flowers. 

Support local

Independent traders are often better equipped to explain product provenance, with merchandise that’s likely to have a smaller impact on carbon footprint due to minimal haulage and international transit.

Green card

To avoid dust build up around greeting cards on a shelf or mantlepiece, showcase in a Collage Photo Display from Amazon – https://tinyurl.com/57be4rsp.  

And double bubble: as the frames aren’t overly festive, they can be employed throughout the year for photos.

Hopefully, courtesy of today’s counsel, you’ll breathe a little more easily as the holiday season looms.  And that’s a prospect, we’d suggest, that is not to be sniffed at…

Watch for Colin and Justin on Citytv’s Breakfast Television. Find the Colin
and Justin Collection in stores across Canada.Visit www.colinandjustin.tv.