I think that is an awesome Christmas gift ! Not just the machine, though that is awesome too, but you putting in the effort like that to find it ! I have had mine since March of this year, and I LOVE it ! My advice would be to remember to oil it regularly ! Most of the newer home sewing machines do not require oiling like the 1500 will, and at first I did not realize that, since my other machine never did ! I oil my pq1500 about once a week, or more depending on how much use it is getting, or whenever I hear it starting to sound a little rough and it makes a world of difference !