I hope this finds you in good spirits and good health.  I have a short column this month.

If you plan to have a live Christmas tree, it is very important to have the stem with a fresh cut – no more than 6 hours old.  The solution that works best is seltzer and bottled water.  Why bottled water?  It has no chlorine, or very little.  If the stem cut is more than six hours old, it could be sealed over by sap and the tree will not absorb liquid.

A healthy Christmas tree drinks a lot.  Check the reservoir in the stand daily, and add seltzer and bottled water as necessary.

Have a blessed Christmas and a healthy New Year.

Shalom,

Ceil