An Indiana woman won a lottery jackpot after a surprising trade with her dad during a family Christmas white elephant gift exchange.
Emily Hickox's family held a holiday white elephant gift exchange, during which her cousin contributed a Detroit Lions instant game lottery ticket, according to ABC 7.
Initially, her dad ended up with the ticket, and Emily received a flashlight he had brought as his gift. After the exchange ended, her dad wanted the flashlight back, so they swapped gifts—unknowingly setting up a life-changing moment for Emily.
On Christmas Day, which was also her 25th birthday, Emily scratched off the ticket expecting to see $50,000. However, she discovered she had actually won the top prize of $500,000.
"I was expecting to see $50,000, so when I saw the extra zero, I was speechless!" Hickox said. "I couldn't comprehend that I'd just won $500,000!"
Overwhelmed by the surprise, Emily celebrated the unexpected gift, which has become a highlight for both her birthday and the holiday season.
Emily plans to use her winnings to buy a new car, make investments, and share her good fortune with her cousin—who purchased the ticket—and her parents.
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