These days, Shaq-a-Claus has been spending a lot of time and money to spread the festive cheer. Of course, this was not always the case for a young Shaq. The gentle giant has overcome the odds now but he still remembers Christmas in his childhood home with his stepfather, Sergeant Phillip A. Harrison. On the recent episode of The Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal told a classic Christmas story from his childhood. In the new version of the fan-favorite podcast, producer Adam Lefkoe is the host asking questions to the 4x NBA champion. He wasted no time settling in and disclosed to O’Neal that he had a gift for the Hall of Famer. However, Lefkoe was also curious about the rumor that Shaq did not like and accept presents. So, he wanted to know why.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend immediately stated that he would not receive the host’s gift with a straight face. He added, “Because ever since the good Lord has blessed me to take care of everybody, I became Santa.” Interestingly, this reminded him of his childhood when his father burst a young Shaq’s bubble. The legendary center gave a spoiler alert as he hoped children were not listening to the show because he was about to disappoint many.

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The Big Aristotle recounted, “Hopefully there aren’t any kids listening to this podcast but my father let me know early, ‘There ain’t no Santa. I’m Santa!'” Lefkoe could not believe O’Neal’s actions and hilariously apologized to the fans watching the sit-down with their children.

However, he wondered how Sergeant Phillip A. Harrison broke the news to his children. Shaq recalled, “We ain’t got no goddamn chimney! So we sitting there watching all the damn movies and I’m like, ‘We ain’t got no f**king chimney!’ So my father be like, ‘We ain’t [got] no Santa Claus. I’m Santa Claus! Matter of fact come take a ride with me and we going to go buy these toys for your sister.'”

When the host asked how old O’Neal was, the 2000 NBA MVP revealed he was 8. That’s another classic Phillip A. Harrison story. Well, Shaq thankfully had some generous takeaways from his harsh upbringing. Now, he is buying toys for not just his own family but for strangers as well.

Shaquille O’Neal is Santa indeed!

Shaquille O’Neal was not exaggerating when he said that he was Santa Claus. The Hall of Famer is famous for his acts of kindness. Over the years, O’Neal has been seen making considerable charitable activities. And Santa does not rest during the holidays.

Ahead of Christmas, Shaq was spreading happiness to children and families with his Shaq-a-Claus initiative in partnership with the Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ annual Christmas toy giveaway.

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Around 1,700 children were registered reportedly and O’Neal ensured every kid received their gifts in the event held in Welcome All Park at South Fulton. Shaq disclosed that his mother Lucille O’Neal accidentally started the Shaq-a-Claus tradition 22 years ago, and he has been continuing that ever since.