A soldier in the US gave his family the ultimate Christmas present when he surprised them by making an unexpected return home during a parade.
Walter Smith's family was watching the Christmas parade in Shelby, North Carolina on December 18 when an antique police car pulled up nearby.
An officer got out of the vehicle and told the family he had a special surprise for them.
As the officer returned to the car and opened the door, 26-year-old Mr Smith stepped out.
He had been lying down under a raincoat in the back of the car.
His family screamed in joy and surprise as he rushed over to embrace them.
Mr Smith was one of many soldiers who decided to surprise their families with a Christmas reunion.
Here are some examples of recent and past Christmas surprises from returning troops.