Kicker: An unintended layaway plan

NICK EICHER, HOST: If you had little kids around for Christmas morning, you know the excitement—the anticipation!—as they can’t wait to tear into those wrapped boxes.

Now imagine saying, “Hey kids, you’re going to love this, but you’ll need to wait about half a century. Give or take.”

That’s exactly what happened to Tim King, who’s all grown up now and in his 50s. While remodeling his parents’ bathroom recently, he thought, “I’d better check inside the wall before sealing it up.” Good thing!

KING: And look what I find? That’s my Christmas present! (sound of wrapping paper crinkling)

The excitement just doesn’t stick around, does it?

The gift was from when King was six. The wrapping paper’s yellow at this point, but inside was a brand new set of Matchbox Thunder Jets!

King’s mom doesn’t remember all the details but admits she used to hide presents in the attic. Best guess? It fell behind the wall and stayed hidden for 46 years.

It’s The World and Everything in It.

WORLD Radio transcripts are created on a rush deadline. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of WORLD Radio programming is the audio record.