Christmas always provides a reason for celebration and a relaxing welcomed break, so it’s understandable that people are looking forward to it and are starting to plan for it earlier and earlier each year," she explains. Obvious, but essential. "Position your Christmas tree away from any heat sources such as radiators and fireplaces," Samuel instructs. Why? Well, because heat will dry out your tree faster. "The further from potentially damaging heat sources the better, the fresher your tree will remain." Well, traditionally, Christmas decorations wouldn’t be put up until the last possible moment. This trend continued into the Victorian times with the tree, too. Ness explains that surrounding yourself with small things that bring you joy, like a Christmas tree and decorations, can really help to boost your mental health throughout the busy December period. We still find that people aren’t aware of the care their tree needs," Samuel explains. "Cutting the bottom 3cms off your tree once you get it home is vital, as is watering it. Amazingly, trees need around three pints of water a day, especially if the central heating is on full blast."

verifyErrors }}{{ message }}{{ /verifyErrors }}{{ But what about putting your tree up super early—say the end of November? "Decorating your home early can create that neurological shift, a spike in the feel-good hormone dopamine which can produce happiness. If putting up your Christmas tree early will bring you a little extra joy, why not," she adds. With each year that passes, Christmas trees seem to going up earlier and earlier. Traditionally, the Christmas tree went up on the 22nd of December and marked the start of the advent festivities. Wrapped presents were stashed under it and kept safe until the big day. But, fun fact: in recent years, the last weekend of November has become an increasingly popular date to put the Christmas tree up, although it, of course, varies from family to family.As above, the tree would go up no earlier than the 22nd or 23rd December, and quite often on Christmas Eve," Hannah explains. Fun fact: your tree needs around two to three pints of water a day. "Your Christmas tree will need to drink more than you do this Christmas, so give it around two (to three) pints of water a day and it will be as happy as Larry."

Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about caring for your Christmas tree this year, including where to place it in your home. How to care for my Christmas tree:Worried you’ll put your Christmas tree up too early and risk it wilting pre the big day? Here, Owner of Christmas tree company Pines and Needles ( pinesandneedles.com), Samuel Lyle, shares his top tips for making sure your tree stays in good shape. Try not to expose your tree to sudden changes in temperature. "Trees, like most people, are creatures of habit and prefer steady conditions," explains Samuel. "Plus, it’s important to remember that trees are natural living things. Once they are cut, they begin to die. They’ll last for around five weeks. Make sure to time the arrival of your tree with this in mind so you can get the most out of it." NB: Real Christmas trees last for around five weeks if you follow the steps below and look after them correctly, so putting it up at the end of November shouldn’t be too risky. With Christmas around the corner, many of us are getting excited about the upcoming festive period-full of seasonal cheer, mistletoe, quality family time, festivities and feasting.