My kids are now fully grown adults, but as the picture shows, the tradition was especially fun and memorable when they were younger. They would run excitedly out into the field of trees, weaving in between all the rows, fully decked out in winter weather gear and hunting for the right tree with the perfect size and shape to fit into the corner of our den next to our fireplace — the perfect setting to open presents on Christmas morning with the lovely smell of the fresh pine throughout the room. They loved watching the tree farm workers cut down and pack up the tree they picked. And the three-hour drive back home with the tree tied on to the car roof and classic Christmas music playing through the speakers is a favorite holiday memory.

Angela Himmel, Youngsville, a member of Wake Electric