“Why can’t we just go somewhere and buy a tree?”

“Because it’s more fun to cut our own. Besides, it’s tradition.”

“Pulling on a chain saw cord is not what I call fun. Besides, it’s 10 degrees.”

“But it’s not windy, and, besides, it won’t take that long.”

“What exactly do you mean by ‘that long’?”

“However long. Besides, Christmas comes but once a year.”

“And we spend the rest of the year getting ready for it.”

“Don’t exaggerate. Besides, we’re almost to the tree lot.”

“We’ve passed three tree stands on the way. What’s the difference?”

“Those trees can’t be fresh. Besides, it’s cheaper to choose and cut.”

“Like when we ended up paying more to pick our own strawberries that year?”

“Turn left. Besides, this is a Christmas tree, not quarts of indistinguishable berries.”

“What about that one over there? Besides, it’s close to the road.”

“Not the first one we see. Let’s look awhile. Besides, that one’s too small.”

“Here we go again. Last year, I had to cut off the bottom. And the top.”

“Some of that was unnecessary. Besides, the shape was just ruined. Here’s one.”

“You’ve got to be kidding. That’s 12-feet tall. Besides, look at the trunk.”

“It couldn’t be that tall. Besides, you act like it’s a sequoia.”

“Watch your step; those rocks are slippery with snow. You OK?”

“Yeah, but my knee isn’t. Besides, I thought it was snow, not rocks.”

“See if you don’t like that tree yonder. Looks perfect to me.”

“Too perfect. Besides, you can tell it’s been pruned this fall. Let’s keep looking.”

“There are hundreds of acres here. How much longer will this take?”

“Dadgummit. That ditch isn’t frozen. My boot’s full of water.”

“Are you having fun yet? Besides, I said watch your step.”

“Watch your mouth. Besides, where’s your Christmas spirit?”

“Touche. Get in, and we’ll drive over there where there are some beauties.”

“You drive, and I’ll walk.”

“You’ll freeze. Besides, we’ve already been at this more than an hour.”

“OK, so my feet are numb. Besides, I can see better from the truck.”

“What about this one? It’s the right height; the top is shaped good.”

“It’s beautiful, thick and full. Besides, here’s a bird’s nest in it.”

“Finally. Glad you’re satisfied.”

“It’s not exactly final till decorated. Besides, now we’ll have good luck for that.”

“We’ll need it. Timber, O Tannenbaum.”