Being with your loved ones is an important part of the holiday season. Some might even argue that it’s better than all the gifts combined. However, not everyone can visit their family just anytime they’d like to – regardless if it’s Christmas.
Distance is often a huge factor that keeps people apart during the holidays. After all, plane tickets are expensive and driving cross country in winter weather isn’t necessarily a walk in the park. But for those who are in the military, going home for Christmas can be even less of an option.
United States Airman, Mike Ciuffoletti, informed his family one year that he wouldn’t be able to celebrate the holidays with them. So, they planned their Christmas Eve festivities without Mike – unaware that he had really cooked up the best…surprise…ever.
Mike decided to let his best-friend Clark in on the surprise, who then helped film the event. Together they walked up the brick walkway with a mission in mind.
As they approached the house, the airman had a huge smile on his face. Surely he knew that he’d be giving his family the ultimate Christmas present – one that was better than anything under the tree.
Mike went straight for the front door and opened it without ringing the bell or knocking first. He wanted to really catch them off guard by just popping into their celebration.
Did anyone order a special delivery?
The family was in the kitchen cooking dinner when their military loved one suddenly appeared in the room. Shocked by the sight, screams and tears immediately took over.
Mike went around to each of his family members and gave them warm embraces. Even the dogs in the home seemed overjoyed by his presence.
While everyone was stunned by Mike’s sneaky surprise (especially his mom) – there was somebody missing that he was looking to say “hi” to… his dad. The man had been in the backyard, but realized what was going on when he looked through the window and also heard, “Get in here!”
Can you imagine how that must have felt? Laying eyes on your child out of the blue, who you thought was overseas? The feeling was obviously powerful.
Even dad couldn’t help getting emotional seeing that his son was home for Christmas. In fact, he looked just as stunned as the rest of them too.
Mike and his dad had the chance to have a sweet and unforgettable hug that was captured on camera. Everyone’s eyes were full of tears during the scene, even Mike’s. Who says that a man in uniform can’t cry every once in a while, right?
While the internet is full of military surprise homecomings, this is one that’s gone viral. Since Mike uploaded it, it’s been viewed over nine million times online.
The video is a mixture of all the things that make you feel good inside. It also makes you appreciate being able to spend time with your loved ones – because not everyone can.
It’s heartbreaking to know that a lot of our military members aren’t able to get home for the holidays. They also miss events like birthdays, graduations, and all the simple moments as well. It’s one of MANY reasons why we should be grateful to them.
Watch the video below to see Mike pull off a Christmas surprise his family will never forget. Their reactions are priceless!
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