Michel's Christmas Tips (Don't Take Them Too Seriously) 🎄
A Word From Michel · Christmas at Chez Michel
Christmas is for spending time with family, eating good food, celebrating… and ideally keeping your Christmas tree standing until January.
After all these years selling Christmas trees at Montreal's Jean-Talon Market, our father Michel has seen just about everything. Families searching for the perfect tree, customers driving away with a tree bigger than their car, and probably a few questionable decisions made during the holidays.
So here are four pieces of Christmas advice from Michel to help you enjoy the holidays, take care of your real Christmas tree, and avoid a few terrible ideas.
Don't Dance With Your Christmas Tree.
We know family gatherings can get pretty festive. The music gets louder, the conversations get livelier, and after a few drinks, certain ideas start sounding surprisingly brilliant.
But your Christmas tree is not your dance partner.
It may be tall, elegant, and smell wonderful, but it has absolutely no sense of rhythm. And there's a good chance it'll end up on the floor, along with all your decorations.
Drinks or no drinks, just don't dance with the tree. It's much happier standing quietly in its stand.
Don't Put Alcohol in Your Christmas Tree Water.
No, your Christmas tree doesn't need a little pick-me-up to survive the holidays.
No vodka, no rum, no gin. And while we're at it, no sugar, aspirin, or secret recipes recommended by your brother-in-law.
Plain, clean tap water is all it needs. Check the water level regularly and make sure the base of the trunk stays submerged.
Save the drinks for the adults who choose to enjoy them responsibly — especially if you need a little extra holiday cheer during certain family visits…
One genuinely useful tip: a real Christmas tree can absorb several litres of water per day, especially right after installation. Keeping the stand filled and placing the tree away from radiators will help it stay fresh.
For more advice, check out our complete guide to caring for a real Christmas tree.
Cigarettes and Joints: Keep Them Away From the Tree.
Real Christmas trees contain resin, and as they dry out, they become much more flammable.
Keep cigarettes, joints, candles, and any other open flames away from your tree. Make sure it's also a safe distance from fireplaces and heating equipment.
And if tip number one suddenly starts sounding like an excellent idea, that's probably your cue to move away from the Christmas tree.
A memorable Christmas? Absolutely. A visit from the fire department? No thanks.
Don't Throw Your Christmas Tree Out the Window.
We get it. The holidays are over, the decorations are starting to get on your nerves, and you'd really like your living room back.
But your Christmas tree deserves a slightly more dignified exit after spending the holidays with you.
In Montreal, boroughs generally organize seasonal collection services for real Christmas trees. Check your area's collection dates and instructions.
And if you happen to spot the collection truck at the end of the street, resist the urge to throw your tree off the balcony or out the window.
Plan ahead. Remove the decorations, put your tree out at the appropriate time, and let the municipal collection crews do their job.
One Last Piece of Advice From Michel
Take care of your Christmas tree, keep it properly hydrated, and enjoy it with the people you love.
At the end of the day, Christmas doesn't need to be complicated. A beautiful real Christmas tree, a good meal, a few people you care about, and a little holiday cheer are already plenty.
As for everything else… use your judgment.
— Words of Wisdom From Michel 🎄
A family tradition since 1968.
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