There's nothing like the sight and smell of a fresh Christmas tree.

Whether it's large and majestic or small and charming, a real Christmas tree is a beloved holiday tradition.

After spending a small fortune to purchase your tree and then devoting countless hours decorating it, the last thing you want is for the centrepiece of your decorations to start shedding needles before the big day.

There are plenty of useful hints and tips to follow to ensure that your tree -- and other Christmas decorative plants -- will remain in prime condition well beyond December 25.

The most important thing to remember is to keep your tree well watered. The American National Christmas Tree Association recommends keeping tree stands filled with water since a seal of dried sap will form over a cut stump within four-to-six hours if the water level drops below the base of the tree.

This dried sap will prevent the tree from absorbing water when the tree stand is eventually refilled. If a seal does form, then another fresh cut will have to be made.

The Association also says that a Christmas tree can absorb as much as a gallon (four litres) of water in its first 24 hours in a tree stand. After that, a tree will usually absorb around a quart of water per day.

Water, plain old tap water works just fine, is an essential ingredient for a healthy Christmas tree. It prevents the needles from drying out and dropping off and it keeps the tree fragrant.

While you will want to display your Christmas tree in a prominent place, just be sure that the spot is away from heat sources like fireplaces, heaters or television sets. Items like these will dry out fresh Christmas trees.

And before setting your Christmas tree aglow with dozens of lights, make sure your extension cord is able to handle the load.

Make sure your extension cord has no damaged insulation, splices or loose plugs -- if so do not use it.

And never overload an outlet -- if multiple outlets are needed, use a surge protector.

Throughout the holidays, occasionally check your tree for any broken bulbs -- boisterous children and the sporadic bump against the tree can result in a damaged light bulb. Immediately replace any cracked light bulbs that have exposed filaments.

POINSETTIAS According to the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, poinsettias have a latex-type sap that can be irritating if ingested.

It is therefore important that young children, under the age of five, should be kept away from the plants.

"Better safe than sorry,'' said a department official. "And some kids have an allergy to them where even touching them can be irritating.'' And the department said pet owners should not worry about having the Christmas plant around their dogs or cats.

"If a pet nibbles on it they will soon realise that it is unpalatable and never do it again,'' the spokesman said.

To keep your poinsettias looking their best, either remove the protective plastic or foil sleeve or puncture holes in the bottom to provide for water drainage.

Poinsettias and most other Christmas plants should never sit in water -- the roots might rot.

And as with Christmas trees, keep the plants away from fireplaces and heaters and be sure they get light, even flowering plants need a healthy dose of light.

CHRISTMAS CACTUS Christmas cactuses normally bloom in December and January as a result of the short days and longer nights.

They usually have magenta flowers, but thanks to hybrids the flowers can range from a shade of pink to red.

Christmas cactuses like plenty of indirect light, a humid environment and moist soil. Experts say potting soil should be kept moist, but not excessively wet.

Deck the halls: Given enough care and attention, a Christmas tree should last throughout the whole of the festive holiday.