The best gifts come in large cardboard packages on the front lawn

It goes without saying that Christmas is a special time, especially for kids. We could get sentimental and pretend it's because of the spirit of the holiday or the togetherness or whatever, but let's be honest — it's all about the presents.

Or is it? The folks over at HooplaHa compiled a collection of clips that feature kids getting a surprise reunion with a parent, back from military service during Christmastime in years past. The rub: Each parent is hiding in a cardboard box that looks like a huge present.

While some of the boxes are more elaborately wrapped than others (You got me a refrigerator for Christmas?), the reactions of the kids are nearly identical: Pure joy.

Follow Mike Krumboltz on Twitter at @mikekrumboltz.