Christmas is just a week away. So how’s your tree holding up? Mine still looks lush and lovely, thanks to the Christmas Tree Survival Tonic I keep feeding it. Every year, without fail, Grandma Putt poured this elixir into our Christmas tree stand to keep that ol’ tree fresh and green throughout the year-end holidays. I still use it—I’ve never found a better formula! Here’s how to whip up a batch for your tree:

Mix 2 cups of clear corn syrup, 4 tablespoons of household bleach, 4 multivitamin tablets with iron, and 1 gallon of very hot water in a bucket. Carefully pour the mixture into the stand, and deliver a fresh dose whenever the water level starts going down. Your evergreen will stay fresh as a daisy right into the new year.

For more old-fashioned, commonsense secrets, check out my Grandma Putt’s Old-Time Vinegar, Garlic, Baking Soda, and 101 More Problem Solvers book—FREE for 21 days! Her tips, tricks, and tonics are sure to put a smile on your face.