For Shelton Holland of Morrisville, the phrase ‘Home for the Holidays’ will have special meaning this year after a $1 million lottery win gave him the chance to buy his own house.

“I plan to get a new home,” Holland said. “It will be so nice not to have to worry about rent.”

He also plans to get a big Christmas tree to go inside.

Holland, a landscaper, was out to eat with his family when he decided to get a new Holiday Millions scratch-off ticket. At first, he couldn’t believe he won $1 million.

“I just kept thinking, ‘This can’t be real, I only won $1,000.’” Holland said. “I had to make myself believe it.”

He finally did when he claimed his prize Monday at lottery headquarters in Raleigh. Holland had the choice of taking a $1 million annuity that has 20 payments of $50,000 a year or a lump sum of $600,000. He chose the lump sum and after federal and state tax withholdings received $413,610.

Holland bought the $10 ticket at the In & Out on Fayetteville Street in Durham.

Holiday Millions launched earlier this month with three top prizes of $1 million. Holland is the first player to win a top prize. Two $1 million top prizes remain.

Ticket sales from games like Holiday Millions made it possible for the lottery to raise more than $634 million dollars for the state last year. For details on how more than $331 million in lottery funds has made a difference in Wake County, click on the “For Education” section of the lottery’s website.