An elaborate plan to fool his family and friends was more than worth it for this Irishman as he fools them all into thinking he’s staying in Canada for Christmas.

This special surprise Christmas homecoming to Ireland is really one for the ages. As we get so close to Christmas Day, IrishCentral’s Advent calendar Day 22 is so touching that it could melt the heart of even the biggest Scrooge’s among us.

An Irishman living in Canada came up with an extremely elaborate plan to fool all his family and friends into thinking that he wasn’t coming home for Christmas, even filming a video and sending it over in which he tells them how much he wishes he could be there.

One by one, they sit down to watch the video and are given the greatest Christmas present of all when he jumps out to surprise them.

We promise there won’t be a dry eye once you see his Irish mammy’s reaction!

Read more: Irish boy unable to move from emotion when Dad comes home from tour of duty

Who are you looking forward to seeing this Christmas? Share this video with them to let them know.

Read more: There’s nothing like being home in Ireland for Christmas