Single dad working at IHOP is speechless when Secret Santa gives him a car!

[@MinalPatelRD]

His reaction is normal for someone who hasn’t been given much in life … very sweet gesture

[@rsplatpc]

This one broke me more than the people that sob because you can tell

[@audraarndt1824]

My exact thought.

[@Emeraldcity70]

My Father has the same personality. So I understand him.

[@madmax298]

I hate gifts, but like to give...believe I would have reacted the same way as Paul. This was so very nice of Secret Santa and you guys.

[@athorpe1937]

I bet you he kept waiting for someone to say it was a joke. He was so relieved when Nate said all the insurances and stuff were paid.

[@lisaforte1575]

Nate, you handled that uncomfortable situation so well!!!❤

[@VioletJoy]

He sure did.

[@janetmcdonald2572]

Nate is a classy professional.

[@MandyHarris-y6x]

Do elderly people need such a big car? the attitude I would take the car back

[@TaylorTiree]

@@MandyHarris-y6x What attitude? The gentleman has adult children with special needs. What kind of car would you like to see “elderly “ people driving!???? 🇬🇧

[@thetorchyblameseries8100]

@@MandyHarris-y6x They said he has older disability family members he is responsible for. A SUV would make getting in and out of the vehicle much easier for anyone who is disabled.

[@davidhadden-ii5hs]

That guy is old school, worked hard for everything he has.....good for him.....finally caught a break in life.....

[@robertgraham4934]

Gen X , He's probably been in survival mode the last 30 years and doesn't have time for games or emotions. You can see this man is just pushing through life. I know this,he will have a big smile on his face when he's driving it home. I'm sure it'll be in the back of the parking lo😮t backed in. Polished to perfection for the rest of his life

[@ladyjane5401]

Amen ❤ 🙏

[@Cristinact]

that's exactly why I thought. So glad he was given a car!!

[@juliehillman8743]

Super embarrassed. A man always giving, never receiving. He got choked up when sitting in the car. Best of luck, Paul ❤️🙏🌲🤶🎅

[@MinalPatelRD]

Yes he had a little sign of emotion but probably used to hiding it

[@nunya-ok]

I noticed that too .....

[@Normandy1944]

He seemed to loosen up a bit after awhile, initially because I don't think he thought it was real and once he saw the car and the key worked, he softened. He even started picking on his coworkers with a smile.

[@Hatari2u]

I think the poor guy was just really blindsided at first. Given his work history it sounds like he is someone who needs routine and having a crew show up like this probably totally rattled him. I’m sure he is extremely grateful. He obviously has a loving spirit to be so committed to his special needs adult children. Thank you so much Secret Santa. ❤ You help all of us who watch these videos! And thanks to Nate and his crew ❤

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

ALL OF THIS!!!!

[@vikram0607]

Correct 💯

[@irvos6003]

he is ) we were born different and that's the way he is, als he looks like life has not been easy on him.

[@nordicpandi]

Ya, if they showed up where I was I'd likely have a complete breakdown, or would rather run away than get whatever they were giving. And have an immediate panic attack. Some people really need a warning and time to process first.

[@mikkosablamante308]

Oh Paul, this is the guy who never asks for handouts and truly embodies what it means to be a hardworking, good person. I know this is going to be a huge relief for him and his family. Thank you, Secret Santa.

[@mr2646]

Nate is excellent making everybody feels comfortable. 😊

[@helenpaton4245]

Noted. Nate modified the unboxing, and fast tracked the giving so as to accomodate Paul's personality. Excellent professionalism and empathy, Nate.

[@Emeraldcity70]

​@@helenpaton4245Perfect comment my friend.

[@janicecastellanos8091]

My impression was that at first he thought it was a prank. He kept looking at the other workers. He didn’t know what to do,although he does seem like a man of few words. He looked happy in the car. Holidays/Merry Christmas 🎄 EVERYONE!!!

[@carolbarker8488]

I agree with what you have said 😊

[@kimgiuntini9637]

Happy Holidays to you too!!!

[@allthingswavy6420]

I think you're right :-). It may take awhile for this new reality to sink in for him ❤

[@janyeet6323]

Loved his co workers support❤

[@xo2quilt]

Paul was so shy and stunned!! You could see the emotion in his face. Thank you for blessing him as he does what he can for his family! Secret Santa and EIN, you are fabulous!!!

[@ferrisulf]

Loved how supportive and excited his coworkers are

[@seanmc7128]

Yea I think that was my favorite part. It's nice to see you can have coworkers who genuinely care.

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

They seem so sweet. ❤

[@BrandyWiseNL]

Secret 🎅 understands.

[@Doug791]

And that's all that matters.

[@louisaisthankful6455]

And so does Nate! 🤗

[@debehaidt3570]

A man of few words, but, his smile says it all.

[@jeanlucpicard4225]

The smile and the little tears showed his character. He is a humble and kind guy.

[@katiedid6119]

When Nate asked Paul if he wanted to say something to SS he was fighting back tears. We have no idea what he was feeling inside. Nate, you handled that like a pro and I am sure Paul is as grateful as someone who bawls their eyes out like I would, because I’m a crier 😂

[@Steven4now]

I'm a guy and I'm a crier too. In fact I cry just watching these. I'm super empathetic and feel the emotions of others very strongly. Its a blessing and a curse. Haha!

[@katiedid6119]

@ yes, it is a blessing and a curse😭

[@19bishop56]

A humble man of few words, but he’s probably crying inside! Thank you for blessing this very determined, devoted, hardworking man.❤

[@gehmangang8006]

I have no idea what this man has been through in a lifetime, but Nate and East Idaho News, you may have been one of the few people in his world that has shown Gods love for him.

[@chelseagirl278]

don't forget Secret Santa :)

[@katemarshall7439]

the late Sidney Poitier said the measure of a man is how he cares for his children. Looks like Paul measures up. A quiet guy, stunned that he’s recognized and helped like this.

[@user-ib9iy7mg1d]

δm pretty sure Paul has a lot to deal with in his daily life and it´s tough. On top of that he´s a reserved and quite guy. Once he realized Nate meant well he lightened up. It´s probaly the first time someone has ever done something like that for him. Have fun with your new car, Paul! All the best for you and your children💙

[@josephconner3742]

Some people are uncomfortable being the center of attention!

[@jamestown_se]

I appreciate all the comments giving grace to Paul. It's obviously not every day a news/camera crew shows up at your work!

[@cherylgawne711]

Oh man.. I probably would have run and hid.. except that I know who Nate is and what it means.. 😜

[@fantasyfootballhq7056]

NATE EATON IS AN AMERICAN HERO, These stories make the holiday season so much better

[@Michael-mv3kc]

Nate does an awesome job but he is just the messenger. Secret Santa is an american hero

[@nicoledenning8090]

@@Michael-mv3kc how about they BOTH are

[@johnunsicker7440]

@@Michael-mv3kc The full crew and staff. They have to look into each letter they get and make sure it is real and not someone trying to scam them. Sad but it the truth people do try to scam people even with this type of stuff.

[@brianbickle7395]

Secret Santa is the true unsung hero

[@standdownrobots_ihaveoldglory]

Nate & crew are great but it is their job, let’s not get too carried away. Nate was a hero when he asked hard questions in the Horrible Case, but I imagine they like this part of their job a lot! Positive emotions do not heroics make.

[@Toiletbuggg]

You guy know that guy is gonna be 😭😭 when he's by himself and the cameras are off him. I hope he has a blessed Christmas with those special kids! 🎄 ❤

[@Lala61669]

Thank you Secret Santa, Paul is a man of few words, however you could definitely see the emotion in his face.

[@westsparks6844]

You're kidding, right? The guy probably sold the car for cash. He was so unappreciative of what was given to him. Looked like a chain smoking alcoholic.

[@nicklager1666]

You may be old but abandoning your children is not something you do. A real family man.

[@oiaiofoster4775]

Amen!!!!!

[@rcar9115]

Paul is a man's man. You can see it in his demeanor. He gets in there and does what needs to be done. That's a GOOD man, right there. What a very deserving person.

[@Emeraldcity70]

My Father was just like him. I miss my Dad. I really do.

[@karenjeffrey4100]

Paul was just taken back, embarrassed and probably thought at beginning there was a prank being played on him by his co workers .. He will be super grateful, thank you secret santa 🎅

[@sethdixon1450]

He’s a straight forward guy. Noticed a change in environment with cameras and didn’t necessarily like the attention. God bless him! He’s awesome.

[@David-sk9vv]

That is a decent, humble guy right there. Merry Christmas ❤

[@Foxylady58-x4w]

You’re a good man Nate!!! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@GinnyandCats]

He’s a man that has worked for everything he has so this is overwhelming to him most likely. He’s probably not used to being given anything. God Bless you Paul and your family!😊

[@annetedder8202]

Exactly.

[@2ndhandSue]

Poor guy was pretty much caught off-guard! He seems like a really caring, good father, and a loyal, darn hard worker. I'm glad to see him get this car; I'm sure it will make his life much easier. Thank you Secret Santa for making another great choice of who to help!

[@MandyHarris-y6x]

Do elderly people need such a big car? the attitude I would take the car back worst one ever

[@TaylorTiree]

@@MandyHarris-y6x What is wrong with you? Why are you trolling? Grow up! 🇬🇧

[@pep590]

@@MandyHarris-y6x That is NOT a big car. It's only mid-size at best. Get some glasses, crazy lady

[@kevinjones5560]

Paul’s a jerk.

[@HEG-q2v]

@@kevinjones5560 Fortunately, Secret Santa disagrees with you.

[@jodeming5088]

Wow, bless this man. He’s so embarrassed. May God continue to bless this man and his family.

[@TheDeadwoods-pl3yo]

Humble, caring, hard working and kind people don't seek the line light... they just do good things and work hard! Paul is clearly this kind of man. Quality human being!

[@8jordangutierrez8]

His reaction make sense to someone who has never been given anything in life, other that the pay for his hard work and does not know how to react when finally life gives him a brake. God's blessing for sure ☺

[@alana9832]

Nate is so good with people even the gruffest he's amazing.God bless you Nate!🙏

[@nicoledenning8090]

yes such a pro!!

[@metropcs7560]

Just a wonderful story, I know he is happy!!! Thanks Secret Santa!!!

[@antonchua3272]

men typically less talk more thinking but deep inside he's very thankful Secret Santa ❤

[@mikeenglish6401]

@@antonchua3272 Well, he was certainly the silent type! Nate handled the situation extremely well. ♥️

[@Zackjjames]

They also typically go through a lot and don't expect these things, so they're in a state of shock and can't really express their emotions on the outside. He definitely is grateful for it

[@AlC-k2j]

Only this man and God know his struggles. This is a solid family man. He is not going to show an inch of that soft fatherly heart. God Bless Him and Secret Santa. Well done Nate. Beautifully managed. Blessings to all. Particularly this family.

[@annettegregg8654]

Good morning from Ireland

[@oconnorjames]

I feel at home

[@Schleg969]

awe Paul was grateful...just didn't know how to express! shocked I think! Thank you SS!

[@ONNpankaj]

Secret Santa, EIN and all others precious people behind the scenes Love from Bharat (India) for kindness and generosity ♥

[@candienewton8463]

A very humble and sincere man. Paul is a very l9ving and giving father. May God continue to bless him and his family 😊

[@ceesvanderschoot9799]

Guy was just shocked !!! Poor man ..

[@martinfreeman8486]

Total shock😊❤

[@judyeason299]

Another beautiful gift from a group of beautiful people.

[@SchnoogansMcDuff]

I hope this guy knows how much people care for him. It's hard asking for help and sometimes even harder receiving it.

[@Slubbernard]

If a group of people came into my work asking for me, and I dont know them, my anxiety would set off a major earth quake. You just don't know what he was thinking. With pranks being so common, I wouldn't readily be agreeable to be pranked. Also, someone giving away brand new free cars is not common. What do they want and why me? Its very possible that he has never seen the Secret Santa videos before. Nate saved the day as always. My human brain would have a very hard time understanding why me and is this real? Alot of the Secret Santa recipient's are so stunned and say they are speechless or just say Thank You. I think once he walked back into work and thought about it, he was still shocked. It might take a few days to accept its real. Merry Christmas to him and his family. And may we all be less judgmental and more caring. 😊 🎄🎅🎄🎁❄️❤

[@ferrisulf]

Perfectly said

[@zeldazpolarbearz]

Exactly! And I'm going to borrow your 'anxiety setting off a major earthquake' phrase, I can totally relate 😬😊

[@RoyalMasterpiece]

Well said! ❤

[@brendagamba7826]

There is no keener revelation of a Society 's Soul than the way it treats its children. Quote from Nelson Mandela. Watching from Cape Town.❤

[@teresam2261]

Thank you Secret Santa. Your love is felt by all of us and Paul.

[@lizzynunez4906]

This father is a true hero, his kids are as bless as he is to have each other in their lives. God blessed them❣️

[@VioletJoy]

Nate, you handled it like a pro. Paul, you're very deserving. Merry Christmas!!! 🎄

[@jjellybelmo4]

Paul is a man of few words. If you know people like Paul, you know a few words is enough ❤

[@nickiph1]

❤ So shy. God Bless 🙏 Secret Santa🎅 and everyone at East Idaho news. Happy Thanksgiving 🦃 and Merry Christmas 🎄🎅

[@winniewinifredi]

The stories are truly great, all of them. All of these people are so deserving. But I want to call out Nate and his uncanny ability to adapt to each situation seamlessly and genuinely. It is something special. This man truly cares, it is not a front. Merry Christmas Nate, to you, your family, and the East Idaho news Crew! Love from Nova Scotia, Canada ❤

[@Emeraldcity70]

🇨🇦 🇨🇦 🇨🇦 - perfect comment my friend. Merry Christmas from Florida.

[@winniewinifredi]

@@Emeraldcity70 Merry Christmas my friend. Thank you 😃

[@Emeraldcity70]

@@winniewinifredi 🌲🍁🌲🍁🌲🍁🌲🍁- Merry Christmas.

[@thomashaugh8720]

Stoic to the core… good dude cool mustache

[@2nd_of_3]

Lovely man, wonderful 🫶🏻 Thank you Santa 💋

[@shelldel4]

Nate handles every situation with such care and class.

[@batshevanivylerner8582]

the fact that his coworkers are so very happy for him tells you a lot about Paul! Bless Secret Santa for all he does helping so many people!!!!

[@Jane-West]

Paul has spent his life taking care of business! This will change his and his family's life! Thank you Secret Santa, Nate and crew!

[@loveforeignaccents]

Yay for Paul!!! Thanks, Santa, for helping him out!

[@MsValley28]

I am happy that you were able to bless this selfless man. I hope that if his house needs repairs, that people will come together to help him get that done, also. It sounds like he could use some help.

[@pamacree3890]

"Just a little camera shy" Sweet!

[@MsDawnnee]

Erm....that was awkward 😅. You handled that perfectly Nate, well done xx

[@oiaiofoster4775]

God Bless Secret Santa, Nate & The Whole Idaho News Crew & To This Awesome Man & his Whole Family🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰😘😘

[@texasgina]

Amen 🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@elizabethboulais8311]

Hi from NH. Paul sounds like an amazing man who is doing Gods work with love. A car was a wonderful gift for him. He is stunned! Blessings to Santa.

[@thetorchyblameseries8100]

Seems like a humble man. Focused on work and taking care of his disabled family members. Very stoic. Nate handled it well, for sure.

[@realtruth716]

That was the best reaction ever,he's a warrior and will still be so...

[@MandyHarris-y6x]

Do elderly people need such a big car? the attitude I would take the car back

[@Anni-bt8zt]

​@@MandyHarris-y6x so you might have to learn more about people. Giving someone a gift means having no expectations. It comes from the heart. Every Human is different and some are closed up for some reason. That totally fine. You don`t know what happened in his life. Taking a present back as someonedoesn`t react in the way you want him to feel.... thats awful. Think about it....

[@georgieargie8217]

@@MandyHarris-y6xwell you are a Miss Jolly now aren’t you? Not

[@TaylorTiree]

@@MandyHarris-y6xHow many times are you going to repeat your comment? I’m disappointed to see negative comments about Paul. Thank goodness most of the comments are positive and kind ❤🇬🇧

[@TaylorTiree]

@@Anni-bt8ztWell said !🙏❤️🇬🇧

[@shaynaletter5589]

What a wonderful selection this humble, hardworking, single father that would otherwise struggle just to get to earn his paycheck. This automobile is a huge life-changing gift. His entire familiy's future just got a whole lot brighter. Thank you Secret Santa.

[@jodiewilcox6772]

I'm always impressed with these seasonal segments. Great care and thought have gone into each person(s) needs. This automobile is very necessary, as I can imagine how hard it is to walk any real distance, let alone in extreme cold or heat. Nate and his helpers keep these upbeat stories coming. Thank you everyone, including Secret Santa!

[@margadams1203]

Love softened his heart, just lovely! I'm watching from Perth Australia, I would so love to do this here, great watching peoples reactions. Merry Christmas xx

[@vikingdragon2764]

Heartwarming to see how his colleagues all rallied around him and were so happy for him. Such a great man, working hard to make ends meet to look after his children. Thanks Secret Santa for giving this man a car in order to get around. You could see the burden fall off his shoulders when Nate mentioned that the taxes and fees were paid for.

[@girliedefensor0506]

This really just shows how Nate is the best host for this program. He is never fazed by anything and he never takes anything personal

[@osostellar]

Paul already knew and was probably embarassed someone shared his story but deep down he’s grateful

[@osostellar]

@@dianegreyson8787100% i feel the same way but i hope he continues just wonder if there’s something new they can do still love the videos i cry everytime 😅

[@TheDirtchicken]

A man of few words. Probably has a heart the size of Texas. It started sinking in when he was sitting in the car and you could see & feel his spirit lighten. Once again, EIN & Secret Santa, you never fail to amaze us! Such generosity that will surely be rewarded in Eternity.

[@adedam7700]

Best Scene for this Year...

[@nikitakumari4600]

So happy for him

[@kretasil]

I'm really surprised at some of the comments here. The man obviously thought it was a prank. Once he realized it wasn't, his attitude changed completely. Just because he didn't cry doesn't make him less grateful. And for some of you replying to posts: can we at least have some respect for each other?

[@erinwoolfrey7650]

Amen! He was a shy reserved man who has struggled and worked hard for everything he has- he seemed truly unsure of what was happening. He wasn't being rude- he was trying to protect himself from what he thought was a prank. Only when his co-workers locked eyes with him and reassured him and Nate explained what was happening did he open up! The man was near tears in that car and really only opened up when talking about his history with his cars and work history! I get the impression he is a shy and very overwhelmed man and he doesn't deserve any negativity! Finally I'd say to the negative ones out there- the whole point of secret Santa is to bless others with something they need and wouldn't be able to afford. To help them in a way that is meaningful. Secret santa decides who gets gifts after they hear from the community about someone who is a GOOD, GIVING, KINDHEARTED person. Then they investigate those claims.... and only those found to be the most deserving get a blessing each year. And while there are often more people deserving of a gift than there is money to go round, everyone who makes the list each year is deserving of it! No matter how they respond to the sudden shock of a TV crew in their space!! Secret Santa doesn't give gifts for the reaction people give- though we often love to see it!- he gives the gifts out of an abundance of generosity and love. The gifts are for the hardships they have already experienced and continued to work through. The gifts are given because these men and women have contributed to their communities regardless of their own struggles. This man has years of customer service, continues to work to support his adult children with disabilities and done it all without complaints and I'm certain, with few words at all lol! Let's all give each other some grace and respect and not be so quick to be negative. Let's show the kind of love that secret Santa and EIN shows each year to others and not judge a man we've only seen for 5 minutes on TV in his most vulnerable state, in shock and trying to understand what is happening! ❤❤

[@HEG-q2v]

Sadly, even a Secret Santa video can bring out the ugliness in people. Fortunately, people of that mindset are in a small minority. This man deserved his gift and every decent human being can see that. Best wishes to you!

[@Emeraldcity70]

Either he thought it was a prank or he had just had an argument with a coworker.

[@Mike-y1g9x]

Go to bed CRYBABY 😅😅 You need a Rick Martel's Boston Crab 🦀

[@zarinakhan3575]

Bless him ❤ he was just shocked and surprised. It’s really hard for some people to show emotions. He has and Is going through a lot ❤

[@radhasure]

This is humanity. Nate I have no words to say how tough the response was and how amicably you handled shows how well you face life. Paul really has seen lot of tough times he could not accept good things happen. May he really enjoy the gift. EIN you are amazing.

[@dusty616l]

thank you east idaho news. you are all very good people!

[@tinamarieb49]

I'm sure he was waiting for the prank card right up til he registered that car in his name. What a hard worker and caring man!

[@Gioli565]

Aw, what a great day 🎉

[@nancycornett9949]

Thank you!❤❤

[@rosmeeker1964]

a man of few words...

[@Ruth695]

Love Secret Santa 🎅

[@Salam2You-j3l]

This season of joy has been a blessing watching all this beautiful videos

[@CherryWanders]

I completely understand this man and his reaction. Accepting help/ gifts is hard when you're so used to shouldering a burden alone. Big heart, tough outer shell.

[@Tricky-Knicky]

38 seconds and I saw this.. Merry Christmas!

[@ritacother3251]

He is in shock

[@michellemciver409]

The host did a great job facilitating this. He helped bring out Paul’s personality. Paul has a sense of humor.

[@davidkorman]

Love what you do from Richmond CA

[@yvonne8786]

He's very relieved you can tell. He is probably in shock for finaling catching a break in life. ❤ Thank you Santa

[@nannettesteyn4913]

Perfectly done as usual.😊❤

[@ellyross7082]

Well, thank G d he DOES care about his kids. G d bless 🙌 him. That was a tough one.

[@maryjarrell5824]

Merry Christmas Paul and family from Houston Tx

[@mejojome]

Love watching you from Norway...I wish all of you a peaceful holiday❤

[@YOsefFM]

“GOD WILL see his tears of TH🙏🏻NKSGIVING as they ride together on the way home.” ~ BLESSED CREW ~

[@patriciahetherington3380]

I wish there was something more than just a thumbs up maybe a thumbs up and a heart? Some of these videos like this one deserve more than just a single thumbs up

[@brendagamba7826]

❤❤❤❤❤

[@bobblebardsley]

👍❤

[@SanjeevRai-r4s]

The man was speechless- what to say situation- But Nate and other people might have noticed the face of the man that was lit with blissfulness. Thanks a zillion to Secret Santa.

[@ajisenramen888]

The Christmas Spirit is Secret Santa’s gift to all of us. Anyone who gets to follow Nate and the East Idaho News team receives hope and good cheer throughout this wonderful time ❤❤❤

[@abigailphilips825]

His eyes said it all, God bless him!