For many people, decorating for Christmas must include a real Christmas tree. There's just something about the process of choosing and decorating the tree that defines the season. Then, of course, there's the wonderful smell it adds to the home. If you want to keep your Christmas tree as fresh and fragrant as possible for the holidays, just following these simple tips.
Try to shop for your tree early enough that the best ones won't be sold before you get there. Choose a fresh tree - one that has few browning needles and doesn't drop a lot of green needles when you shake it or run a branch through your hand. If you're not putting the tree up in the house right away, store it in a cool (but not freezing) place out of the wind. Cut an inch off the bottom of the trunk and put it in water if you're storing the tree for more than a couple of days.
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When you take the tree indoors, re-cut the trunk if you haven't done so already. Place the tree in a stand that will hold at least a gallon of water. The key to keeping your tree fresh is to keep the base of the tree in water, even if that means refilling the stand every day. Don't add sugar, aspirin, or bleach to the water. Plain water is all the tree needs, and additives can actually cause harm.
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