If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made. Put your tree in a water-holding stand immediately. If you are not ready to decorate it, put it in a bucket within 12 hours of making the cut. A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. Water is important because it prevents the needles from drying and dropping off and the boughs from drooping.
Water also keeps the tree fragrant.
In addition, keep your tree away from heat and draft sources like fireplaces, radiators and television sets. 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.