Air travel - you either love it or loathe it.

Air travel during the holidays? You probably loathe it.

If you're like me, you probably live quite a distance from most of your family which means you plan on spending a number of days meandering through airport terminals and standing with your arms above your head as you go through security.

As we countdown the days until Christmas, Hannukah, and the turning of the new year, travelling home for the holidays is a special part of the tradition - from deciding whether that $350 red-eye is worth it to accepting that your flight will undoubtedly be delayed - there is no experience quite as unifying as flying home for the holidays.

1. You arrive at least two hours early because you know you'll be facing long lines at airport security...

2. ... only to discover your flight has been delayed 3 hours

3. So you find the closest airport bar with the shortest wait and make yourself at home...

4. ... and you find some new friends in the other folks stranded by the freezing weather

5. 3 hours and several overly-priced cocktails later, you're finally on the plane...

6. ... and images of a relaxing holiday at home dance in your head

7. After a difficult journey and a sobering plane nap, you finally arrive home ready to celebrate good tidings with the ones you love most

Even with all the chaos, you still manage to remember what the holidays are all about. And there's nothing quite like drinking mulled wine and listening to your mom gossip about your Aunt Susan's new boyfriend while your father and Uncle Hal fight about who actuallywon the touch football game of '96.