The Christmas spirit seems to be so strong this year [1] that many people are buying Christmas trees [2] earlier — or they may be trying to avoid crowds and stay safe. Picking out a real Christmas tree for your at-home Winter Wonderland can also be a fun holiday activity [3] for the family; few things top the smell of a pine tree and the excitement it brings, but since real trees are, well, real, you don't want to buy a tree too early. According to Good Housekeeping, real Christmas trees last around five weeks or more [4] with good care. So, if you buy your tree around the end of November, your tree will likely be fresh by Christmas. You can even hold out a little longer than that ー the British Christmas Tree Growers Association suggests buying one from Dec. 1 onwards [5].

To shop for your Christmas tree safely [6], the National Christmas Tree Association has guidelines [7] for both tree lots and choose-and-cut farms. The CDC hasn't released any guidelines for Christmas tree shopping specifically at this time; however, to have a safe holiday, the CDC suggests [8]washing your hands, wearing warm clothes, and wearing a mask.

You can ensure your new tree stays fresh for longer by [9] trimming an inch off and watering it daily. You may also want to keep the room it's in cold or put a humidifier [10] by the tree. In case you do buy a tree on the earlier side, make sure it stays hydrated to avoid starting a fire. The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) suggests placing the tree at least three feet away from heat sources [11], turning off the lights before going to sleep, and watering it daily.

Lastly, make sure you take your Christmas tree down [12] when it gets dry and don't leave it near your home. Instead, check with your community about a recycling program. Have a merry and safe Christmas!