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‘Christmas Tree Syndrome’ Can Take the Jolly out of the Holidays

Author Maryann Morgan
THE MIDDLE - "The Christmas Tree" - When Axl comes home from college for Christmas vacation but would rather spend time with his friends over family, he and Frankie must come up with a time management agreement that will satisfy both of them, Meanwhile, Sue's severe allergic reaction to the Christmas tree threatens to ruin her holiday, and after it's discovered that Brick lied to the school about his Christmas wrapping paper sales, he finds himself running a mini Ponzi scheme in an attempt to pay back the debt, on "The Middle," WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 (8:00-8:30 p.m., ET) on the Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images Television Network.

Hey there, festive folks! 🎄 Guess what? ‘Tis the season for more than just decking the halls and rocking around the Christmas tree. We’ve got a little something called ‘Christmas tree syndrome’ in the mix! It’s like the Grinch of allergies, here to steal your tissue supply and make your nose as red as Rudolph’s.

According to CBS News, allergy experts, Dr. Devon Preston from the Cleveland Clinic, and Dr. Russell Traister from Allegheny Health Network spill the cocoa beans on this holiday hiccup. Turns out, it’s not the pine tree pollen causing the sniffles; it’s those sneaky molds having their own little Christmas party on the tree. Who invited them, anyway?

But hold your sleighs, artificial tree lovers! The tissue trouble isn’t reserved for our evergreen friends alone. Nope, those dust bunnies hiding out in your faux fir during its off-season hibernation might be the real Grinches of the season.

And let’s not forget about the festive foliage – poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe, oh my! They’re not just here for the Instagram-worthy photos; they’re also the scent-national culprits behind ‘Christmas nose.’  And beware the holiday scents! Poinsettias, holly, and mistletoe bring festive vibes but may turn our noses into the North Pole of irritation.  Dr. Traister warns us that strong fragrances can turn our noses into the North Pole of irritation.

So, if you find yourself sniffling more than singing carols, fear not! It might just be the Christmas cheer in the air, or it could be those pesky molds having their moment in the spotlight. Either way, keep those tissues handy, and remember, it’s all part of the holly, jolly adventure! Jingle all the way to a sneeze-free holiday! 🌲 Grab those tissues, dodge the dust bunnies, and let’s sleigh through Christmas tree syndrome together. Happy sniffling, everyone! 🤧✨ #ChristmasTreeSyndrome #TisTheSneezySeason

4 Great Christmas Dinner Options For The Whole Family

Now that the Thanksgiving meal is behind us and we are all still feeling more than stuffed, it’s time we shift our focus. To more food! Here, we’ll cut into four great dinner options to feed the whole family at Christmas dinner.

Yes, Thanksgiving requires a lot of hours in the kitchen. Prepping a turkey, maybe even frying one, takes some proper attention. Then, to some, the most important part is the sides that go with the main attraction. Again, making these side dishes means cooking up a storm. However, perhaps we underappreciate the art of this meal. For the most part, the menu is designed for us. Furthermore, it is consistent every year. All you have to decide is how much to make based around how many people will be gathered around your table.

Fast forward a month, and it’s time to prepare another epic holiday meal. In addition to running around to grab last-minute gifts, if you are hosting a Christmas get-together you have to do a lot of preparing, again.

The Magic of Christmas Cooking

Here, we are going to break down some options to jump-start your Christmas prep. First, let’s set the table on some criteria, and some bust some myths. You certainly do not need to reinvent the wheel and cook up something extraordinarily unique. In fact, it’s best to keep it simple. Dozens of classic dishes have already been well-established as delicious to satisfy your family, friends, and guests.

The thought process in suggesting these four Christmas dinner options is that they are proven to be delightful. They can also be prepared in large batches that do not require a tremendous amount of hours in the kitchen. These meals are family-friendly and are sharable. Some of them you may even be able to combine together. Again, this list won’t spark an idea that’s never been cooked up. Perhaps it just serves as a simple reminder that these Christmas dinner menu items can be straightforward and delicious enough.

  • Lasagna

    A large tray of a baked pasta based meal that everyone gets to cut into just feels like a natural option. There’s room here to customize your tray of course. Add meat, make it a veggie, or have one of each. Plus, the red sauce nicely compliments your holiday-themed table setting.

    Lasagna with ricotta cheese, ground beef, mushrooms, and tomato sauce in baking dish with cake shovel, landscape view

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Filet Mignon

    We’ll need to clarify here, your best bet here is a log shaped filet that can be evenly cut into quarter inch – to half inch slices. There’s something festive to carving a meal item in your kitchen, that is freshly cooked. You take pride in hosting and then slicing. You place your sliced filet on that serving platter that is used just once a year, walk it into the dining room and then feel joy when everyone digs in.

    Sliced grilled tenderloin Steak roastbeef on wooden cutting board and Red wine on dark background

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Vegetarian Chili Bar

    It’s all about the slow-cooker or crock pot. You can let it warm in the kitchen all day, allowing a sharp aroma to seep into every room the family gathers in. This style is for more of the grab something quick and on-the-go Christmas meal gathering. Perhaps you have people in and out of your house, stopping by for a “cheers” throughout the day. A chili bar never disappoints. Add in your side bowls of shredded cheddar, tortilla crisps, scallions, and sour cream, and you are giving your guests the opportunity to put their own touch on your creation.

    Homemade Organic Vegetarian Chili with Beans and Cheese

    Stock Photo / Getty Images

  • Baked Ham

    This is the meal that gives you the option for a fancier sit-down dinner. The ham centerpiece is typically joined by elegant wine glasses and pre-feast toast. Throw some potato side dishes along with an asparagus or string bean casserole, and your living room is now a fine-dining restaurant. This meal allows you to take your time. The next thing you know, it’s dark outside, and you are putting a bow on your enjoyable Christmas night.

    Traditional glazed holiday ham on the wooden background

    Igor Jovanovic / Getty Images

Meet Maryann, who has been chasing magic since the early 90s. Back then, she hosted a love and dedication show at nights on Magic. Talk about romantic vibes! Since then, she traded her evening slot for mornings. When she’s not talking to you on the air, she’s living the glamorous life of a chicken, duck, pigeon, and German Short-Haired Pointer mom. Since Joel can never follow what she says, there is an entire feature called " What are you Talking About" at 9:10. Running is her secret to staying out of trouble – or at least staying ahead of the extra pounds. She has a husband named Matt, and a son named Zack, who she says makes her world a little adventure.

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