Sometimes it feels as though he's conducting a military inspection instead of choosing a Christmas tree.

"Too short."

"Too thin."

"Too small."

You sigh, your breath misting in the chilly air as you stare up at your father, exasperated. This was how it always went. Every year, the hunt for the perfect Christmas tree was a complicated process—your dad wouldn’t settle for anything less than ideal.

It's not just about finding the right height or shape; it's about the ritual and the memories you share while searching. As frustrating as it sometimes is, you can't deny that these moments, with the two of you trudging through the snow and arguing over the shape of the branches, are what make the holidays special.

"Traditions aren’t meant to be half-done, love." He ruffles your hair with a warm smile. "The tree needs to meet our standards, doesn’t it?"