Brett Ingram didn’t expect to celebrate Christmas with an early guest, but she went viral after finding an Opossum in her Christmas tree.

According to Fox News, Ingram, 29, a media marketing manager based in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, said she heard a sneeze, which got her attention.

ā€œI kept working thinking I was maybe just hearing things. Then I heard it again with some other squeaking noises,ā€ she said. ā€œAs I’m down crouched behind , I look over to the left and I just see his tail. A long, naked, rat-looking tail,ā€ she added.Ā 

Then she noted, ā€œI stopped and kind of looked up some more and saw a large breathing ball of gray fur.ā€

Upon finding the surprise gift in her tree, she stated that her only thoughts were of the animal’s well-being.

She stated, ā€œI just didn’t want to hurt him. I was really just calling for concern if babies were in pouch,ā€ per Fox News.

ā€œI started to try to get him out, but he was holding onto the branches. He had some strength because he was big,ā€ she went on.

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Ingram wore gloves to make the removal easier, but the critter decided to rock around the Christmas tree.

ā€œHe ran behind the tree under the other couch and I kept moving it, and he would just do it again over and over,ā€ she said, via Fox News.

She continued seeking to help the Opossum get back outside to enjoy the winter wonderland and eventually was able to cradle it in her arms ā€œlike a cat or dog.ā€

Ingram posted her find to TikToc, where millions of viewers witnessed the find. In the footage, the Opossum sat among garland and ornaments like a rare Christmas decoration waiting to be found.

She said the animal may have been inside her home for at least a couple of days before she found it, though she’s unsure how it got inside.

Ingram safely released the animal due to remaining calm and choosing to ā€œassess its behaviorā€ so that everyone involved can enjoy a merry Christmas.Ā