40+ Years After Confronting Harsh Reality of Christmas, Shaquille O’Neal’s DJ Persona Shines in Holiday Spirit

If you thought Shaq slept on Christmas, you would be wrong. The giant has always taken his “gentle” side to the next level during the holidays. From paying for every customer at a Forever21 store to his famed Shaq-a-Claus initiative, Shaquille O’Neal has always done his part to spread the Christmas joy. This is despite his personal harsh history with the most famous day in the world. In fact, Shaq was just 8 years old when the bubble was burst for him. “We ain’t [got] no Santa Claus. I’m Santa Claus!” his stepfather had revealed to the youngster before asking him to help with the holiday shopping.

Over 40 years later, Shaq is now a father of 6. While we do not know when he spilled the festive beans to his children, it’s very evident that O’Neal wants others to have the gifts he could not enjoy in his youth. In a surprising turn of events though, the Lakers legend chose to share the gift of music. This Christmas, Shaquille O’Neal took the opportunity to employ his alter ego, DJ Diesel, to spread holiday fever. Writing, “Happy holidays team. Love y’all,” the kind-hearted 7-footer ensured that he did not remain silent during one of the most celebrated festivals in the world. He shared a video donning a red jacket followed by a meme of himself as Santa Claus reading, what seems to be, a Christmas wishlist. Don’t believe it? See for yourself.

This surely took a lot out of the big man, especially considering the Christmas traditions he had to deal with over 40 years ago at the hands of his stepfather, Sgt. Philip Harrison. However, despite being set with Christmas’ harsh truths at a tender age, Shaq has never once hesitated from his generous ways. And he uses the full range of his reach to make a real impact.

Shaquille O’Neal steals Santa’s job in Georgia

In yet another show of his giving side, O’Neal recently took it upon himself to do Santa’s job! Partnering with a non-profit, WAVE (We All Value Excellence), O’Neal set up an event that saw 170o registered children enjoy Christmas gifts, ice skating, cookies and some facetime with Shaq-a-Claus himself.

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While spreading joy in his own unique way, the 2000 NBA MVP made his pure intentions known to the world, saying, “Let’s go take care of these babies.” 

A family man to his core, he also spoke about the true inspiration of his wholesome side, crediting his mom. Shaquille O’Neal explained, “I’d like to thank Dr, Lucille O’Neal, my beautiful mother. She created Shaq-a-Claus 22 years ago and you know, I’m just doing my part. Know there’s a lot of babies that will not wake up with any toys on Christmas day. So we’re just trying to do our part.”

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It’s clear that Shaq’s parents have had a lot to do with his mannerisms. From how he talks to his fans, to how he conducts business and charity, Shaquille O’Neal’s values have derived from a solid mixture of strict and caring parenting—his stepfather’s rigidity perfectly complimenting his mom’s loving nature.