Hosting someone with COPD this holiday season takes a  little extra planning and can make all the difference in ensuring everyone feels comfortable, safe, and included. The holidays are a time for connection, laughter, and celebration. For many families, that means gathering loved ones from near and far — including those managing chronic conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

As someone living with COPD you may already follow many of these steps as part of your daily disease management, but we hope this serves as a helpful reminder and opens the door to helpful discussions with your loved ones that keep you safe, comfortable, and confident during the holidays.

COPD symptoms like breathlessness, fatigue, and sensitivity to certain environmental triggers can make bustling holiday environments challenging. But with thoughtful preparation, you can create a warm, festive atmosphere that’s both welcoming and COPD-friendly.

Here’s how to make your home and your holiday plans safe, comfortable, and joyful for everyone.

Create a Safe Environment for Hosting a Loved One with COPD

Many people living with COPD rely on supplemental oxygen, either continuously or as needed. While oxygen therapy greatly improves quality of life, it also requires extra safety precautions during the holidays.

Avoid Open Flames

So while “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” is a classic holiday image, oxygen users will need to enjoy that line only in the song. Safety always comes first. If your loved one will be using oxygen, skip the candles, fireplaces, and open flames altogether. Oxygen itself isn’t flammable, but it greatly accelerates combustion — meaning a tiny spark can turn into a serious fire hazard.

That includes:

• Candles
• Fireplaces or fire pits
• Gas stovetops if your guest is nearby
• Cigarettes, cigars, or e-cigarettes

Instead, create a cozy, festive glow with battery-operated candles, LED lights, or electric fireplaces. These alternatives provide the same ambiance without risk. You can even find flameless candles that flicker realistically, complete with cinnamon or pine scents (make sure they’re mild and COPD-safe—see below).

Keep the Air Clean and Clear

Oxygen users should never be exposed to aerosol sprays, air fresheners, or strong scents. These can irritate the lungs, trigger coughing, or worsen shortness of breath.

When decorating or cleaning before guests arrive, avoid:

• Strong cleaning agents with bleach or ammonia
• Scented candles, incense, or potpourri
• Spray air fresheners

Instead, open windows briefly before your guest arrives to refresh the air, or use an air purifier to keep the environment clean and breathable. A HEPA filter can reduce dust, pet dander, and other airborne irritants.

Proper Ventilation is Important

Oxygen users should never be exposed to aerosol sprays, air fresheners, or strong scents. These can irritate the lungs, trigger coughing, or worsen shortness of breath.

When decorating or cleaning before guests arrive, avoid:

• Cooking can introduce smoke or steam into the air so be sure to turn on ventilation fans over the stove
• Steamy bathrooms can make it hard to breathe for those with COPD. Make sure the bathroom where the patient will bathe has an effective exhaust fan or crack a window or door open.

Choose COPD-Friendly Decorations

Holiday scents are a big part of the season — cinnamon, pine, peppermint, and clove seem to be everywhere. But for someone with COPD, these strong odors can irritate airways and even cause exacerbations (flare-ups).

You can still create a cozy, holiday feel without overpowering scents:

• Use unscented candles for decoration (unlit, of course)
• Choose real pine boughs for a light, natural scent that won’t overwhelm
• Opt for baking-based aromas like cookies or bread, which tend to be gentler
• Add sparkle with lights, greenery, and ribbons instead of heavily scented décor

If you love the holiday aroma, try simmering cinnamon sticks or citrus peels in water before guests arrive and airing the room afterward — that gives a light, pleasant scent without leaving lingering irritants.

Generally with the cooler weather people tend to drive with the windows shut. With little ventilation it is especially important to avoid  strong scents that may irritate sensitive airways.

If you’re driving or riding someone with respiratory sensitivities keep in mind:

• Avoid perfume or cologne
• Don’t use strong smelling hanging air fresheners
• No aerosol air scents
• Rid the car of pet hair of dander

Be Mindful of Pets 

Pets are family too, but their dander, fur, and even saliva can be serious irritants for someone with COPD. Exposure can lead to coughing, wheezing, or a full-blown exacerbation.

If you have pets and a loved one with COPD is coming to visit:

• Vacuum and dust thoroughly before their arrival — especially carpets, curtains, and furniture.
• Keep pets out of sleeping areas and off upholstered furniture where your guest will sit.
• Use a HEPA air purifier to reduce allergens and dander.
• Consider bathing or grooming pets before the visit to minimize shedding.

If possible, create a pet-free zone in part of your home where your guest can relax comfortably. And if your loved one starts to feel short of breath or congested, encourage them to step into a cleaner-air space for a short break.

Prepare the Home for Comfort and Accessibility

COPD can make even simple activities — like walking across a room or climbing stairs — exhausting. When setting up your home for a guest with COPD, a few thoughtful touches go a long way.

• Choose a ground-floor room if stairs are difficult.
• Keep seating available nearby during social gatherings or meal prep.
• Avoid clutter that can make it hard to navigate safely, especially if your guest uses oxygen tubing.
• If possible, provide a quiet space for rest — COPD fatigue is common, and pacing is key.

Even small details like adjusting the thermostat can help. COPD patients often prefer cooler, drier air, so aim for a comfortable, temperate environment — not too hot or humid.

Schedule Downtime During Holiday Activities

The holidays can be busy — shopping, decorating, cooking, and socializing can quickly fill the calendar. But for those with COPD, rest is essential. Overexertion can lead to fatigue or exacerbate symptoms, making it important to pace the festivities.

When planning outings or events:

• Include built-in rest periods between activities.
• Avoid scheduling multiple high-energy events in one day.
• Offer quiet, comfortable breaks during shopping or family visits.
• If your guest uses portable oxygen, ensure it’s fully charged or that backup batteries are available before heading out.
• Hydration is essential. Take breaks for tea or bring along water or juice.

Encourage your loved one to listen to their body. If they need to rest, take a break together — share a cup of tea, look through old photos, or enjoy holiday music at home. Sometimes, the calmest moments are the most meaningful ones.

Plan a COPD-Friendly Menu

Food can affect COPD symptoms more than many people realize. Large, heavy meals can make breathing more difficult by pressing on the diaphragm. Certain foods may also cause gas or bloating, which adds to discomfort. Ask if the person with COPD has a food diary or list of foods that they are sensitive to so you can plan accordingly. 

Here’s how to make your menu more COPD-friendly:

Keep Meals Light and Balanced

Offer smaller, more frequent portions instead of large plates. Include plenty of:

• Lean proteins (fish, chicken, turkey, beans)
• Colorful fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Low-sodium options to avoid fluid retention

Watch the Sodium

High-sodium foods can lead to fluid buildup and worsen shortness of breath. Avoid overly processed or salty dishes when possible.

Encourage Hydration

Unless otherwise directed by their doctor, your guest should drink plenty of fluids to help thin mucus and make breathing easier. Keep water, herbal tea, or low-sugar drinks readily available.

Avoid Smoke or Grease

If you’re cooking, make sure the kitchen is well-ventilated and free of smoke or strong cooking odors. Pan-frying or deep-frying can release particles into the air — opt for baking, roasting, or steaming instead.

Include Everyone in the Celebration — Without Exhaustion

COPD can make people feel like they’re missing out — especially during busy, high-energy gatherings. One of the most meaningful things you can do is help your loved one feel included without overwhelmed.

Some ideas:

• Play games or watch movies together instead of planning only active events.
• Set up a comfortable seat near the center of the action, so they can be part of conversations without strain.
• Encourage family members to speak clearly but gently — COPD doesn’t affect hearing, but background noise can make conversation tiring if they have to raise their voice to be heard.

Decorating Safely

Christmas trees can be a surprising source of breathing issues for people with COPD, especially if they carry pollen, mold spores, or a buildup of dust. Artificial trees are generally the safer option, as long as they’re stored in a dry place and covered to prevent dust accumulation throughout the year.

But real trees are a cherished tradition for many families — and you don’t have to give them up entirely. If a real tree is important to you, simply take a few precautions:

• Rinse the tree thoroughly outdoors before bringing it inside.
• Let it dry completely before setting it up in your home.
• Dust off ornaments and decorations before hanging them, or assign this task to someone else. Even light dust can trigger coughing or a COPD flare-up.

When it comes to holiday ambiance, as we mentioned before, remember that scented candles, potpourri, and strong fragrances can irritate airways and lead to exacerbations. And if you or your guest uses oxygen, open flames of any kind are strictly off-limits — they pose a serious fire risk.

Thoughtful Gifts for COPD Patients

If you’re looking for a gift that supports their health and comfort, consider items that make daily life easier or more enjoyable.

Some ideas include:

• A soft, lightweight blanket for warmth without heaviness
• Portable oxygen concentrator accessories (like extra batteries or carrying cases)
• Relaxation tools like music subscriptions, audiobooks, or meditation tools.
• Moisturizers or lip balms — oxygen therapy can dry out skin and lips. Petroleum products should be avoided for those who use supplemental oxygen.
• A journal or puzzle book for relaxation and mental engagement

Avoid gifts that include candles, incense, or strong fragrances. The best gifts are those that say, “I care about your comfort and wellbeing.”

Learn COPD Warning Signs

Even with the best planning, COPD symptoms can sometimes flare up. It’s important to know what to look for and when to get help.

Warning signs of an exacerbation include:

• Increased shortness of breath or wheezing
• Persistent coughing
• Changes in sputum (color or amount)
• Fatigue or confusion
• Bluish lips or fingernails

If symptoms worsen, make sure your loved one follows their COPD action plan, which might include using rescue inhalers or contacting their healthcare provider.

Keep emergency contact numbers and medications handy just in case — especially if your guest is traveling from out of town.

Focus on What Really Matters

The holidays can bring pressure to make everything perfect, but for someone with COPD, perfection isn’t the goal — comfort, safety, and connection are.

Sometimes the best holiday moments aren’t loud or elaborate; they’re quiet and heartfelt. Sharing stories, sipping cocoa, or watching a favorite holiday movie together can mean more than the biggest meal or the brightest lights.

By making a few thoughtful adjustments, you’ll ensure your loved one feels safe, included, and loved — and that everyone enjoys a holiday full of joy, gratitude, and peace.

Final Thoughts

Hosting a loved one with COPD doesn’t mean giving up on festive traditions — it just means approaching them with care and consideration. By creating a clean-air environment, skipping open flames and strong scents, being mindful of pets, and planning rest periods, you can make your home a haven for your guest’s health and happiness.

After all, the true spirit of the holidays isn’t about how much we do — it’s about how much we care.

At OxiMedical, we’re here to support you through every step of the season. If you need help planning holiday travel, understanding your oxygen options, or making sure your celebrations are as safe as they are joyful, our team is always ready to assist. We’re committed to helping you enjoy a merry, comfortable, and worry-free holiday. We would be happy to answer any questions you have at 1-888-643-4921