Marine returning home from deployment dresses up as Santa to surprise son at school

STAFFORD, Va. - It was a heartwarming and emotional Christmas reunion for a Virginia family. A Marine who has been deployed overseas pulled off a wonderful surprise homecoming for his young son.

With over a week left before Christmas, a class full of first graders in Mrs. Taylor’s class at Widewater Elementary School in Stafford got a surprise visit from Santa Claus. He came by the class to read a holiday story to them.

One of those students listening closely was Jackson Rescott. So what does he want for Christmas from Santa?

He said in front of his class, “I want an Xbox One for Christmas … I also want my dad.”

His father, Marine Staff Sgt. David Rescott, has been serving in Kuwait for the past eight months. His parents were telling him that his father was expected to be back home on January 8. But Santa had other ideas.

“I think I have a bit of Christmas magic for you,” Santa told Jackson.

Piece by piece, Santa began removing his glasses, hat, hair, eyebrows and beard to reveal his true identity – Jackson’s father!

With his jaw wide open, Jackson gave his father a big hug and told him, “I love you.”

Watch the wonderful moment in the video above!