curiosities

A Festive Surprise: American Woman Wins $500,000 From a Christmas Lottery Ticket Gift

Emily Hickox, a 25-year-old woman, won $500,000 with a lottery ticket received during a gift exchange last Christmas. The extraordinary win occurred on December 25 in Michigan, United States.

A 25-year-old woman in the U.S. wins $500,000 after receiving a lottery ticket during a Christmas gift exchange. Discover how this surprise gift changed her life
A 25-year-old woman in the U.S. wins $500,000 after receiving a lottery ticket during a Christmas gift exchange. Discover how this surprise gift changed her life

The fortunate young woman received the lottery ticket as part of a Christmas gift exchange. Remarkably, the win happened on December 25, which is also her birthday.

Michigan Lottery Commissioner Suzanna Shkreli highlighted the unique nature of this win, which combines the joy of the holiday season with a life-changing prize. Hickox plans to fulfill several dreams and share her good fortune with her family.

An Unexpected Christmas Gift Exchange


The winning ticket was part of a family gift exchange. Initially, Hickox received a flashlight but later traded gifts with her father. “I scratched the ticket on Christmas Day and thought I had won $50,000,” she said. However, upon scanning the ticket, she was thrilled to discover she had actually won $500,000.

Details of the Winning Ticket From the Michigan Lottery


The ticket that changed Hickox's life was purchased at a Meijer supermarket in Rockford, Michigan. It was part of the instant game “Detroit Lions,” launched in September 2024, with prizes ranging from $5 to $500,000. Since its release, players have won over $21 million in prizes.

Future Plans and Acknowledgments


With her winnings, Hickox has big plans. Her priorities include buying a new car, investing a portion of the money, and sharing it with her cousin, who bought the ticket, and her parents. “This is an opportunity to give back to my family, and I’m grateful for it,” she said.

The Michigan Lottery reminds players to check their tickets carefully. Many people are unaware of tools such as mobile apps and scanning services to confirm their winnings. “We always encourage players to verify every ticket. Unclaimed prizes are more common than people realize,” concluded Commissioner Shkreli.

The most recent

Pam Bondi raises alarm over illegal Iranian immigrants after Iran–U.S. escalation

Pam Bondi raises alarm over illegal Iranian immigrants after Iran–U.S. escalation

Jun 24 2025 | 2:52 h

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich?

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Benfica vs Bayern Munich?

Jun 24 2025 | 2:28 h

Trump announces “complete and total” Israel‑Iran ceasefire after Middle East escalation

Trump announces “complete and total” Israel‑Iran ceasefire after Middle East escalation

Jun 24 2025 | 1:29 h

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Flamengo vs Chelsea?

FIFA Club World Cup: Where to watch Flamengo vs Chelsea?

Jun 24 2025 | 1:10 h

McDonalds will face a boycott over DEI programs rollback

McDonalds will face a boycott over DEI programs rollback

Jun 24 2025 | 0:52 h

Trump downplays Iran strike on U.S. base in Qatar, thanks Tehran for advance notice

Trump downplays Iran strike on U.S. base in Qatar, thanks Tehran for advance notice

Jun 23 2025 | 23:25 h

US strikes on Iran push airlines to reroute flights as Middle East airspace shrinks

US strikes on Iran push airlines to reroute flights as Middle East airspace shrinks

Jun 23 2025 | 21:55 h

Oil plunges 4% after Iran's attack to U.S. bases

Oil plunges 4% after Iran's attack to U.S. bases

Jun 23 2025 | 20:53 h

Why did Iran target this U.S. Base in Qatar? inside Al‑Udeid Air Base

Why did Iran target this U.S. Base in Qatar? inside Al‑Udeid Air Base

Jun 23 2025 | 19:25 h

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar

Iran attacks US military base in Qatar

Jun 23 2025 | 18:58 h

JD Vance: "We will respond with overwhelming force"

JD Vance: "We will respond with overwhelming force"

Jun 23 2025 | 18:49 h

‘Make Iran great again’: Trump hints at regime change after U.S. strikes

‘Make Iran great again’: Trump hints at regime change after U.S. strikes

Jun 23 2025 | 18:42 h