For two days now, the huge present under the tree has been bugging me. After years of getting a bunch of small presents, I finally had a big one. I just wish this time would hurry. Our Christmas morning ritual stated that presents couldn't be opened until after breakfast.

"Eat your breakfast and quit daydreaming Jeff," my mother called from the kitchen. "That present isn't gonna get unwrapped till you do."

Looking back at my eggs and sausage, I could see my brother and sister's giggling. Forcing myself to focus on my plate and eat, I blocked out everything else till I had finished. Glancing around as I took my plate into the kitchen, I saw that I was the last one to finish. Hurrying back into the dining room to sit, I waited for permission to attack the presents with my siblings.

"Go ahead and pick one present out kids," my dad said with a smile. As I headed straight towards the big one I could hear my dad saying something to me. "Save that one for last Jeff." Disappointed I found another present and took it to the couch to await my turn to open.

After opening two smaller presents with clothing and one with a stuffed animal I wanted, I finally had my big present in my hands. It seemed like forever as I sat there waiting to finally see what was in it. As my family turned towards me, my hands started to tremble. Not even bothering with care, I tore off the wrapping revealing a plain brown box taped shut. Quickly I broke the tape and opened the box. Pulling off the covering of newspaper I sat and stared. A smaller box was nestled between a few red bricks for weight.

"Keep going son," my dad said.

With a hint of disappointment on my face, I pulled the second box out. Hurriedly I opened the flaps and removed the newspaper. Again I stared in disbelief. Inside was 2 more bricks and a smaller box. Looking up at my parents, they were both smiling and urging me on. Feeling nothing but horror at the trick played on me, I took my time pulling the third box out. Dropping the second box into the first, I sat and stared for a moment before continuing. Slowly I opened the small gift in my hands. Under several layers of newspaper I found a fourth box. Pulling out the watch case sized parcel, I just sat and stared in total disbelief. All my eagerness for the huge present and what it contained was gone. In its place was utter disbelief and disappointment.

"If you aren't gonna open it, we can always take it back, or give it to your brother," my mom said. Looking up at her, she smiled softly and encouraged me to proceed.

Taking a deep breath and letting my disappointment show, I took my time tearing the tape off and opening the lid flaps. Cautiously I removed the crepe' paper and revealed a small pair of keys. Looking at my parents in puzzlement, I see them both point to the back door. As i rushed outside I could hear my family following behind me. Sitting in the middle of the yard was a small Odessey*. A grief filled me as I realized how much of a fool I had been about the gift. Seeing the expressions of love on my parents faces reminded me that it is better to give than to recieve but I had blinded myself to that thought.

"On the seat is your helmet and your instructions son." Giving my a quick hug and kiss on teh cheek my mom ran inside to the kitchen.

"Thank you mom," I called after her. With tears in my eyes, I turned to my dad. "Thank you dad. Thank you for everything."