The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, unaware that Shaquille O’Neal soon would be there.

The NBA legend made a surprise appearance at a JCPenney photo studio in New York on Wednesday as families posed in front of a mantle, fireplace and Christmas tree backdrop for holiday portraits.

Stream Connecticut News for free, 24/7, wherever you are. WATCH HERE

The picture on the Christmas cards they’ll soon mail to loved ones will include a holly jolly, 7-foot-1 photobomber.

“He was like, ‘Can I take a picture with y’all?’” Empress Polite said of Shaq crashing her family’s photo shoot. “Yeah!”

Shaquille O'Neal surprises families while they take Christmas portraits at the JCPenney at The Mall at Bay Plaza in New York. (JCPenney)

And O’Neal wasn’t quite finished spreading the earl

See Full Page