Once you've chosen your tree, keep it in a sheltered, unheated area such as a porch or garage to protect it from the wind and sun until you are ready to set it up and decorate it. Keep the tree stand filled with water. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if the water drops below the base of the tree, p reventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the boughs from drooping.
Water also keeps the tree fragrant.
Water prevents the tree from drying out and loosing color. Test your light cords and connections before hanging them on the tree to make sure they're in good working order. You don't want to use cords with cracked insulation or broken or empty sockets. Also be sure to unplug the lights before you go to bed or leave the house. Never overload electrical circuits.