I’ve been playing on Christmas for the last 10 11, 12 years. So just got to get up early with the babies, and give them their toys and try to get a nap in and just come to play.

O’Neal is describing the practical reality of being an NBA star whose schedule often includes games on Christmas Day. The quote juxtaposes family life—waking early with his children, giving gifts—with the professional obligation to perform later that day. Its significance lies in how it normalizes the sacrifice behind celebrity: even at the height of fame, he frames Christmas not as a glamorous exception but as a routine to manage (family time, rest, then work). The tone is matter-of-fact, suggesting acceptance and professionalism rather than complaint, and it highlights the balancing act between fatherhood and a career with public, high-stakes demands.