‘Christmas tree syndrome’ is real — what are the symptoms and how to avoid it

That Christmas tree in your living room — real or fake — may trigger bouts of sneezing, coughing, watery eyes and more. (stock.adobe.com)

Christmas trees dressed in twinkling lights and colorful ornaments, for those who celebrate, bring a special kind of magic inside a home during the holiday season.

For some people, however, Christmas trees — real or fake — may introduce other, less pleasant feelings thanks to tiny, mostly invisible allergens that lurk inside them.