Let’s be real: most of us buy lottery tickets with about as much faith as we have in Santa Claus. But sometimes, the universe—or in this case, a $20 scratch-off ticket—delivers.

Take Darla Carpenter from New Hampton, Iowa. On Christmas morning, while the rest of us were faking excitement over socks and bath bombs, Darla scratched her way to a quarter-million-dollar miracle. Her husband had slipped a “Winter Winnings” lottery ticket into her stocking. Boom. $250K. Jackpot.

Cue the disbelief, the “pinch me” moments, and probably some highly caffeinated holiday cheer. “Dreams do happen, and it only takes one ticket,” Darla told the Iowa Lottery, practically glowing.

But let’s break this down: the odds of hitting that top prize? One in 126,000. You’re more likely to get struck by lightning while singing karaoke than to land a win like this. Yet Darla scratched her way to financial security, proving that sometimes life tosses you a golden ticket when you least expect it.

By Dec. 27, Darla and her husband were at the Lottery's regional office, cashing in and snapping photos with the oversized check. The shock hadn’t worn off. “Neither of us slept last night,” Darla said. “But now I’ve got the check, and it’s amazing.”

At 61, Darla plans to ride this windfall into a cozy retirement. “It gives me a sense of security,” she added. Translation: fewer sleepless nights, more peace of mind.

So, the next time someone scoffs at your lottery-ticket-buying habit, just remember: dreams can come true. Even if they’re wrapped in foil under a Christmas tree.