18 Tips to Get Ready for the Holiday Season

What to know when buying your holiday tree

Opting for a beautiful live tree this year? If you’re getting a pre-cut tree, make sure you test its freshness before you buy it—you never know how long it’s been sitting in the lot exposed to the elements. Try these quick tests to find the freshest tree possible:

• The branch test: Grab a branch firmly between your fingers and gently pull it toward you, then let it go. If lots of needles shake off the tree, it’s not fresh enough; if only a few needles fall, the tree is probably still in decent shape.
• The fragrance test: Snap a needle in your fingers and give it good whiff—the needle should be moist and deliciously pine-scented. If you don’t get a pungent dose of pine, the tree is likely drying out.

Inexpensive tree food

Did you know that sugar works as a tree food? Simply add some to the water each time you water your tree.

How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Wrecking Your Diet

Humidifier for a healthy tree

The heating system in your home can dry out your tree, dulling its color and piney fresh scent. To give your tree a healthy boost of moisture, place a humidifier in the room to counteract the drying heat—it’ll stay fresh, and you can soak up the holiday spirit as long as possible.

Easy way to water your holiday tree

If you have trouble getting a watering can to reach underneath the lowest bows of your holiday tree, throw several ice cubes into the base each day to easily keep it watered.

Free tree stand

Instead of buying a stand for your tree, simply fill a bucket with sand. You can still water it, and you won’t have to deal with the hassle of re-adjusting the stand so the tree isn’t crooked.

Cat danger

Cat lovers, beware! When it’s time to trim the tree, never use tinsel if you have a pet kitty. Cats love to play with tinsel and eat it, and it can be deadly if it gets stuck in their digestive system.

How to Simplify Your Holiday Celebration and Save Your Sanity

Popcorn garland tip

Making a popcorn garland for the holidays? Use dental floss! It’s stronger than regular string, and less likely to break when you wrap it around the tree.

Save energy this season

Did you know that one strand of traditional holiday lights running five hours a day for 30 days can add up to $10 to your electricity bill? This Christmas, make sure you use LED lights, which will only run you 12¢ for the...

Keep reading on Quick and Dirty Tips