How to keep you Christmas tree in shape

And if you chose a real Christmas tree this year, there are some steps you need to follow in order to keep it green and fresh.

First of all start by making a fresh cut to the base of your tree in order to aid water absorption before putting it in the stand.

The US National Christmas Tree Association says to make sure not to cut it in an angle or v-shape, it'll make it harder for your tree to get water.

They also say when a Christmas tree is cut, watering it is very important because more than half its weight is water. So make sure the stand you are using can hold enough of the wet stuff.

The temperature of the water is not important, as long as the tree is placed in it within 6 to 8 hours after cutting the trunk.

Make sure your tree is away from heating sources like heaters, fireplaces - all that heat will just dry the tree out.

Same goes for all those lights. Opt for low-heat-producing ones like the miniature lights and turn them off at bedtime.