Ho, ho...oh!

Don't let seasonal sickness hold you back from having some festive fun

With Jingle Bell Rock playing everywhere you go combined with the stress of present buying and food planning, it's no surprise that not everyone loves Christmas. But what happens if it actually makes you sick? It's meant to be the most wonderful time of the year but, for over a third of Brits*, the celebrations can cause hay fever-like symptoms, with many complaining of coughs and sneezes near the tree or rashes around the decorations. So, if you're about to 'deck the halls', here's how to avoid any festive flare-ups...

Dust your decorations

Giving your decorations a clean before you put them out can make a big difference to allergy sufferers. 'Most people's Christmas decorations spend 11 months of the year stored away, making them a source of dust,' explains Sonia Khan, senior pharmacist at Medicine Direct. 'When you unpack them, wipe them with a damp cloth before hanging them.

Water the tree

Scientists from Upstate Medical University in the US analysed Christmas trees from a range of species and found that they contained over 50 different types of mould. Lessen your allergic reaction by giving yours a watering. 'Hose down your tree before taking it into the house - this can remove some of the mould and spores,' suggests Max Wiseberg, an airborne allergies expert from HayMax. 'Take care when decorating your tree, too, as allergens will be disturbed when you move it into position.'