There's nothing like having a real Christmas tree in your home. I set up my artificial tree last week -- and today it's coming down, to be replaced by a real one. Artificial was convenient, but I have missed the smell, tradition, (and needles on the floor). Here's how to keep the real ones green longer.

  1. The best way to keep your tree green longer is to start with a fresh one in the first place, and there's nothing fresher than cutting one down (preferably not from your neighbor's front yard).
  2. If you bought a tree from a lot (or if the one you cut took more than 3 hours to get in a stand full of water) saw an inch or an inch and a half off the bottom.
  3. Get the tree in water as soon as possible.
  4. One tree farm owner suggests adding a can of Sprite to the first stand full of water along with a couple of aspirin. (If you had a lot to drink the night before, you might also want to have a Sprite and a couple of aspirin).
  5. Some people swear by adding sugar, corn syrup, green food coloring, or some kind of commercial tree additives.
  6. Obviously, the tree needs to stay watered all the time.
  7. Keep the tree away from heaters, fans, and direct sunlight. These will all dry your tree out faster.

Merry Christmas, and share more hints if you've got 'em by commenting below.

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