The Gift

Honorable Mention, teens' essays

Alysha B. Salazar |

12/18/2008 - 12/19/08

Every Christmas, presents are given and received by many. To some this is such a crucial part of the Christmas season. To others it is seen as a time for family and quality time with the ones that are dearest to them.

This is the way that my family has always perceived this joyous holiday. We see it as the time of year that brings all of our family back home to us from all over the world. The memories that are made during these few hours are the ones that I have always cherished the most. They are the memories that have added onto one another each and every Christmas, as far back as I can recall. I just could not imagine my holiday season playing out any other way. The moments that are shared between me and my family are the ones that I will forever hold close to me.

Our family gathering begins Christmas Eve at the children's mass at our church. Here we are all so thankful for the many blessings that we have all been given throughout the year. We are also thankful for the family that has arrived safely and for the ones that are still with us despite the various challenges that they have had to overcome this past year.

It is a truly joyous time to reflect on the importance of what Christmas really is all about. It reminds us of all the presents that we have already received the kind of gifts that don't require any sort of wrapping or unwrapping. These are the ones that we are most thankful for this Christmas season. The few hours at church are nothing compared to the hours ahead, but it is the perfect start to a very eventful night.

After the evening mass we all proceed to my aunt's house for one of the most anticipated meals of the year. We sit around the table and catch up on all of the moments missed, along with all the times we can recall. The sounds of laughter and joy that flow throughout the room are sounds that could never be replaced by anything more warming.

Once we have all finished eating we continue into the living room where we get the full experience of the spirit of Christmas. The lights hung around the room give off such a cozy winter glow. Then we see the tree that is set up so perfectly with just the right amount of tinsel and ornaments. The star on top, of course, completes the whole Christmas theme that the room portrays. We then notice the presents that are set so neatly beneath the Christmas tree.

This night is one that I look forward to all year long — but I don't look forward to it because of the presents wrapped underneath the tree. What makes me most anticipate this time of year for so long is the family we get to see when they come back from serving our country half-way around the world and the family that travels from out of town because they wouldn't miss it for the world.

As most of you can see by now, our time together means so much more to our family then any gift that could be given or received. If someone were to ask me about my favorite gift received on Christmas, it wouldn't be something I found under the tree or anything that was found in my stocking. I would have to say it was the gift of being with all of the people that mean most to me, and that is my family.