Deployed Dad Dresses up as Santa and Surprises Daughters at School after a Year Away from Home

After being on tour in the Republic of Korea for one year and being away from his family, a proud father, Josh Risher, surprised his daughters with an unexpected arrival at an event in their school. Here are the full details of the story.

In December 2014, five-year-old Kaylee and eight-year-old Christy were left in shock during a performance at their school, Windsor Elementary School in Columbia.

The sisters' dad, Captain Josh Risher, had been away from his family for one year while deployed on a solitary tour to South Korea. So, when he finally came home for Christmas, he decided to surprise his girls in the best way.

Captain Josh Risher dressed as Santa Claus to surprise his daughters, Christy and Kaylee | Photo: Youtube/thestate

Risher dressed up as Santa Claus and showed up at their holiday play in school. In a video that captured the priceless moment, Kaylee and Christy were seen, sitting in cross-legged wide-eyed wonder like other kids, staring at old St. Nick.

Next, Risher knelt towards them and pulled down his beard, and a happy recognition spread over the girls' faces as they jumped into his arms, screaming "Daddy!!!" while other students and teachers cheered.

In addition to returning home early to celebrate Christmas with his family, Fisher was also available to celebrate Kaylee's sixth birthday on December 11, 2014.

The father of three arrived in his homeland one day before the huge surprise and spent a night at his parent's apartment to ensure that the big surprise remained secret and worth it.

The deployed father noted that seeing the shock and disbelief on his daughters' faces was incredible.

Risher mentioned that the big reveal was worth spending one more night in his parents' house. Most importantly, he was excited about the outcome of the surprise.

The moment Captain Josh Risher reunites with his daughter. | Photo: youtube/thestate

In a chat with TheState.com, the deployed father noted that seeing the shock and disbelief on his daughters' faces was incredible.

Risher's wife, Amanda, also played a crucial role in pulling off the prank successfully. She had informed her kids that their father would not return until Christmas Eve, which made the surprise even more emotional.

She told the outlet that she did not have to get Christy, Kaylee, and her three-year-old son, Jack, anything because having their dad at home was everything they wanted.

The moment Captain Josh Risher reunites with his daughter. | Photo: youtube/thestate

She added that the family was going to have a great Christmas. On the other hand, Christy, who was overjoyed, said she felt so good. She tagged her father's arrival as an "early Christmas miracle."

The family of five enjoyed the Holiday season together, and it was worth it. To spend more time with his family, Risher decided to move Amanda and his three children to Fort Campbell in Kentucky, where he was transferred.

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