Keep your tree in a cool shady place, like a porch or garage, until you are ready to bring it indoors.  Keep it in water if possible.  If it goes without water for several days before you bring it inside…make a fresh cut off the trunk.  This fresh cut will allow the tree too absorb water.  This fresh cut can not be made on trees that have been drilled to fit your stand.  If you put a fresh cut on a tree that has already been drilled….it will fall when put into the stand.    During the first few days, your tree will absorb a lot of water.  Make sure the tree does not go dry.  If dry for more than four hours, the trunk will seal and not be able to absorb anymore water.  Be sure to keep your tree away from heat:  fireplaces, television sets, computers, heat registers, etc.  Always turn your tree lights off when you go to bed or leave your house.  Follow these simple tips and your tree will stay fresh all through the Christmas season!