North Carolina Man Wins $1 Million Christmas Scratch-Off Prize

Ray Abbott's holiday tradition leads to life-changing lottery win.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Ray Abbott, a resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, won a $1 million prize from a Christmas scratch-off ticket he had purchased as a gift for his family. Abbott regularly buys holiday scratch-off tickets for his loved ones, and this year his tradition paid off in a big way when he scanned his leftover tickets and was automatically entered into a second-chance drawing, where he won the grand prize.

Why it matters

Winning a million-dollar lottery prize is a life-changing event that can provide financial security and new opportunities for the winner and their family. This story highlights how a simple holiday tradition can unexpectedly lead to an extraordinary outcome, inspiring hope and excitement for lottery players.

The details

Abbott found out he had won the $1 million grand prize when he received a notification from the North Carolina Education Lottery. He had the choice to receive the prize as an annuity of $50,000 over 20 years or a lump sum of $600,000, and he chose the lump sum option. After taxes, Abbott took home $432,060 and plans to use the winnings to pay bills, save for retirement, and take a vacation with his family.

  • Abbott purchased the winning Christmas scratch-off tickets in 2025.
  • The Merry Million Second Chance drawing that Abbott won was held on February 4, 2026.

The players

Ray Abbott

A resident of Raleigh, North Carolina, who won a $1 million prize from a Christmas scratch-off ticket he had purchased as a gift for his family.

North Carolina Education Lottery

The state lottery organization that administered the Merry Million Second Chance drawing that Abbott won.

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What they’re saying

“I always buy Christmas tickets and put them in their stockings.”

— Ray Abbott (myfox8.com)

“This is wild. My wife is at home freaking out.”

— Ray Abbott (myfox8.com)

“It's just unbelievable. I'm still in shock right now. This is crazy.”

— Ray Abbott (myfox8.com)

The takeaway

This heartwarming story serves as a reminder that even small holiday traditions can lead to life-changing opportunities. Abbott's experience shows the power of perseverance and the potential for unexpected windfalls, inspiring others to continue their own holiday rituals and remain hopeful about the future.