The holiday season is one of my favorite times of the year. Nothing makes me happier than awing over Christmas lights and drinking hot chocolate, and you know the holiday season has begun when you can't leave your house without seeing a Christmas tree strapped to the top of someone's car. For some people, you pick out your tree at Target but for others you go out into the field, braving through the cold, to chop down your very own tree. And for some, that is a whole process, which is detailed below.

1. It's a giant event

For my family, Christmas tree shopping is a tradition. Every family member and their significant other must be able to go on the annual Christmas tree shopping adventure. And it's not limited to the immediate family members. My grandparents join in the event as well. And once the trees are picked out, its tradition to wander through the Christmas tree shop and then go out to lunch.

2. Finding the perfect tree may take hours

I'll never forget the one year we trekked through three different Christmas tree farms in search for the perfect tree. We started our search at 1:00pm and finished when it was dark outside. To top it off, It began to snow, and we were freezing on our last tractor ride out to the Christmas tree field.

3. There's great disappointment when a tree has already been tagged

Just when you think you've found the perfect tree, you noticed the little colored tag dangling from one of the branches. This is probably the most dreaded tag you will ever see as it indicates someone else has already claimed that tree, and you're not allowed to chop it down. Frustration and disappoint ensue but not for long because there are so many trees to look at.

4. You've tripped over at least one tree stump

When wandering through a field of trees meant to be cut down, you are surrounded by the tree stumps left behind by the other trees. While they are small and may seem harmless, we've all tripped over a tree stump at least once. Hitting the frozen solid ground covered in freshly fallen snow isn't as magical as it sounds. Watch out for the tree stumps people. They'll get you when you least expect it.

5. There's Great Joy when you finally find the perfect tree

Whether you've been searching for a few minutes or for a few hours, nothing matches the joy of finding the perfect Christmas tree. Finding the perfect tree is like having christmas come early. While the tree is only in your house for a few weeks, finding the perfect tree makes the holidays that much more special.