It was the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
2011 National Christmas Tree Lit by Obama
US President Barack Obama and the first family lit up the national Christmas tree in the heart of Washington on Thursday.
US President Barack Obama and the first family lit up the national Christmas tree in the heart of Washington on Thursday.
In all likelihood, it is harbouring thousands of bugs.
Bark lice, mites, moths and the odd spider are among the tiny creatures that live on pine trees and find themselves dragged into homes when Christmas comes around, says Bjarte Jordal at Norway's University Museum of Bergen.
'Christmas Tree Tax' Reconsidered 'Not a Tax': US
The US Department of Agriculture is reconsidering Christmas tree tax which is not really tax at all, at a time of confrontation sparked by a conservative think tank.
The US Department of Agriculture is reconsidering Christmas tree tax which is not really tax at all, at a time of confrontation sparked by a conservative think tank.
"In research on Christmas trees there have been found as many as 25,000 individual (insects)... in some of the trees," says Jordal.
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Brit Woman Allergic to Christmas Trees!
For Lisa Smith, Christmas hasn't always been merry, as she is allergic to Christmas trees and falls ill every year-end.
For Lisa Smith, Christmas hasn't always been merry, as she is allergic to Christmas trees and falls ill every year-end.
"These insects and bugs do not constitute any risk or danger to people or furniture. And if anyone is worried about allergic reactions, I don't think there's any danger of that."
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Christmas Tree Syndrome
Who would think that the Christmas tree synonymous with heralding the festive season would be associated with allergies and health conditions?
Who would think that the Christmas tree synonymous with heralding the festive season would be associated with allergies and health conditions?
