How To Keep Your Christmas Tree Alive Longer

My family will be having a first real Christmas tree. We own one artificial but when we are trying to put them together seems like the tree shrunk. I know it is because my kids are growing up.
Having a real Christmas tree stresses me out a little. Especially after someone told me that it is too early for us setting up. We might be having issues like pine needles will start falling off.

I was browsing over the net to find what I can do to keep my tree in great condition at least before Christmas. This is what I gather:

• cut about 3 or 4 inhes off the bottom and placed it in the tree stand and add hot water ; about every 4 to 5 days
• cut it as fresh as possible. drill holes into the trunk and straight up the trunk to help absorb water. add aspirin to the water and keep away from heaters and fires. they will make your branches dry out faster.
• Use a teaspoon of bleach per gallon of water and your tree will stay fresh.

I am hoping that by just keep checking making it sure there is still water will help to keep my tree last longer.  If not I will try any of this the next year.