A Crows Nest mum has declared her happy new year has started early after a family member gifted her an Instant Scratch-Its ticket for Christmas that revealed a $25,000 prize. 

The top prize winning $2 Christmas Cheer Instant Scratch-Its ticket was purchased at Crows Nest Newsagency, 17 Curnow Street, Crows Nest. 

“It’s hugely overwhelming,” the happy woman laughed when speaking with us.

“It’s mindblowing. Lifechanging! 

“I scratched the ticket on Christmas Eve – it was a gift from my family. 

“I had to get my husband to check it. There were three symbols in a row, but I didn’t believe it. 

“I’ve won some smaller prizes on Instant Scratch-Its before, but… wow, not with that many zeros! 

“Coming at Christmas time, this prize is a huge help. 

“It allows us to pay off some bills and sets us up nicely for the new year. 

“My happy new year has already begun!”