10 Christmas Phobias You Probably Never Knew Existed

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Christmas Phobias

Do you have a fear of Christmas? or Christmas related things? Maybe Elves put the fear of god into you or mince pies make you shake in terror.

Ever had the Christmas jitters? Well, you are not alone! While it’s common for children to fear Santa, if that fear continues on into adulthood, it could actually be a phobia.

Here are the ten most common Christmas phobias…

1 – Tarandophobia

The Fear of Reindeer

Santa’s Reindeer Scary? who would have thought? But it’s true some people are terrified of Reindeer. Tarandophobia is specifically for Reindeer and not all Deer. The generic name for the fear of deer is ‘Elafiphobia’.

If your fear is linked to Rudolph the red nosed reindeer only, well then that is called ‘rudolphobia’.

2 – Chionophobia

The Fear of Snow

Fluffy, festive fun, or a cold, wet nightmare? For those who suffer from chionophobia it’s the latter.

Whenever November comes around, articles exclaiming the possibility of a ‘white Christmas’ start emerging, shared in a frenzy on social media by people who desperately want to live the winter fantasy.

As wondrous as the white sparkly stuff is, it can lead to traffic disruptions and accidents that can cause anxiety-induced phobias.

3 – Doronophobia

The Fear of Gifts

Doronophobia is the fear of receiving and opening gifts. It’s an unusual one, as it’s hard to imagine anyone would be averse to getting presents…but it’s very real.

We’ve all been there, the ambient pressure that surrounds the room when opening a gift from a relative. What if you don’t like it? What if your face turns sour unintentionally? What if it’s hazardous? It’s just too much anxiety for someone with doronophobia.

4 – Fayophobia

The Fear of Elves

Fayophobia is the fear of Elves. Some people don’t believe this could be true as Elves aren’t real. But it could be an Elf on the Shelf, a toy, or a picture.

Elf on the Shelf may sound like a fun, festive tradition but it can have a straining effect on a child, as they may feel anxious about being watched, so always be mindful of them mentioning that because you don’t want your child to end up with Fayophobia.

6 – Cyssanophobia

The Fear of Kissing Under the Mistletoe

Cyssanophobia is the fear of Kissing under the Mistletoe.

Mistletoe was seen as a symbol of love and peace in Norse culture and legend has it, it is bad luck to refuse a kiss under this magical plant. But some people would rather risk a lifetime of bad luck than even think about kissing under it.

In reality, this phobia is more to do with the unwillingness to be kissed by a complete stranger or someone you wouldn’t touch with a bargepole.

5 – Santaphobia

The Fear of Santa

Santaphobia is the fear of Santa Claus. It is also commonly known as Clausophobia, but both are a phobia of Father Christmas himself.

It’s quite understandable why children could be scared of Santa, I mean, he sneaks into your home at night and you’re even made to sit on his lap! Not everyone can be manipulated into liking someone for gifts.

Santaphobia is usually linked to a traumatic childhood encounter, so remember to never force your child to interact with Santa as it might just trigger a phobia.

7 – Erythrophobia

The Fear of the Colour Red

Erythrophobia is the fear of the colour red and also blushing.

The colour red is profoundly associated with Christmas, Santa’s attire, traditional decorations and candy canes. Yet, the colour red has additional connotations such as danger which is why it’s the most feared colour.

8 – Meleagrisphobia

The Fear of Turkeys

Meleagrisphobia is the fear of turkeys – and not just living ones! People with meleagrisphobia wouldn’t dream of going near one dead or alive, so Christmas dinners is a big no-no if that’s the centrepiece.

Now I can totally get on board with this phobia, I certainly wouldn’t want to be chased by one of these terrifying creatures either, but it wouldn’t stop me from eating one.

9 – Christougenniatiko Dentrophobia

The Fear of Christmas Trees

Christougenniatiko dentrophobia is a phobia about Christmas trees. Usually due to past childhood trauma. It could have been a house fire, an accident or something as minor as stepping on a pine needle. The smell can also trigger PTSD from past trauma.

It’s a shame as Christmas trees are beautiful but this phobia is very real for the sufferer. Real trees and artificial trees are usually both feared.