Shaq sings Christmas carols, spreads holiday cheer

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NBA great and Atlanta resident Shaquille O'Neal spread holiday joy to a group of around 200 children at the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Atlanta- Bellwood Unit on Donald Lee Hollowell Parkway in Atlanta this week.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Shaq said his philanthropic spirit comes from his mom. Where his singing voice comes from? That's anyone's guess! Check out this fun video of Shaq-a-Claus singing Christmas carols and spreading holiday cheer!

Before everyone got toys, Shaq delivered a different sort of Christmas gift: a few rules for living that he said got him by when he was a Boys & Girls Club member growing up.

"Listen to your counselors, listen to your teachers, listen to your parents," he said."Trust me, that stuff works."

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Kids also got winter coats, food to take home and other essentials. Sponsors including JAKKS Cares, the philanthropic division of leading U.S. toymaker JAKKS Pacific, Inc.; Feed The Children, Quiznos and The Cartoon Network all participated in the fun event.

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Shaq, who lives in Atlanta now, had the kids repeat a pledge: "I will listen to my mommy. I will listen to my daddy, listen to my counselors. I will be obedient, be respectful. And I will become whatever I want to be."

Credit: Jennifer Brett

"Repeat after me, Shaq said: I will always follow my dreams. Nobody can stop me from fulfulling my dreams."

Credit: Jennifer Brett

Shaq's final words of wisdom: "Be leaders, not followers." By that he meant, if a friend wants to talk you into participating in some foolishness, say no and stay out of trouble.

"When I was young, those were the only three rules I followed and I’m here today," he said.