Got your Christmas up already?

Maybe you’re getting one this weekend!

Here are some tips from Penn State University and Cnet to keep yours alive and thriving through Christmas Day:

Make sure the cut is fresh  Once the tree is cut down, the sap starts sealing the cut within hours making it harder to soak up water. Get at least a quarter inch cut off the bottom.

Soak the tree overnight  If you can, keep your tree outside and let it soak it in a big bucket of water overnight.  Then hose it down the next day to add more moisture and to get rid of any dead needles.  Be sure to let it dry before bringing it inside, though.

Pick a good spot in your house  Keep your tree away from any sources of heat, including fireplaces, furnace vents, direct sunlight or candles, which will dry out the branches and create a fire hazard.

Get the right stand  Choose a base that can hold one quart of water per inch of stem diameter or (in layman’s terms) at least a gallon of water.

Water it daily  Refill the base with fresh water every single day (you may want to set a smartphone or Fitbit reminder).  You can also skip those additives that allededly extend the life of your tree.

Follow these tips, your tree should last around four weeks with just water! 🎄