Christmas to my family is important because we celebrate the birth of Christ. Usually, my twin and I get tons of gifts. It could be my favorite present or a present that is least likely to entertain me as much. Definitely the best present given to me is always Jesus Christ. But there is always the second best Christmas present that money could never buy: my family.

Most kids say that their robot or remote control airplane gives them happiness. But within a few weeks of that day, they move on to another toy and forget about the past happiness that they had with their past toy. I can agree with them, but those toys only give you temporary happiness. It may be fun the first time, but when the toy breaks or they get tired of it, they get sad.

Unlike toys, my family never runs out of batteries and always has something new. By this I mean everyday is like a new adventure for my family. Any time I call them up, there is bound to be a funny story or an interesting fact to come along with the conversation. And with this trait, there is never temporary happiness. The long-term happiness takes over. Though some members move to another state or move closer to me, there is still a permanent bond in between us.

Best of all, my family never goes out of style. Unlike a game or designer clothes, my family never fails making me unhappy or bored.

Though family seems unbreakable, there can still be change. For me, one change in my family took place about one year ago. My cousin had a baby girl, Natalie. Little by little, my family is growing. But it wouldn’t make a difference if I had an extended family or a petite family, my happiness would stay the same.

But every night on Christmas Eve when my family gathers around a table at our favorite Italian restaurant, it seems like my happiness has been fulfilled. Just the presence of my relatives makes me feel content. When one of my aunts, uncles, or grandparents asks me how my day was, it makes me feel like I am very important in their life. And when that happens, a sensation of happiness runs through my body, leaving me with wonderful memories of my younger years.

At the end of the day when I am tired and exhausted and my focus is on sleeping, or I am in a competition and need support, I think back to those days and realize who is behind me. Win or lose, one thing stays the same, my happiness with my family. It is what keeps me going strong at times when I need it, and cheers me up when I am in distress.

In this short description of my most memorable Christmases and days, I mentioned the happiness I had with them. The second best present for Christmas money cannot buy is family, because with it comes happiness. With family and happiness, my life is fulfilled and I live happier and more exciting days. How lucky I am to have my life. My second best Christmas present is truly magnificent.

© Copyright 2005, By Dominick Casciato