The outline of the wrapping might not have left much to the imagination. But it didn't matter to a young Ryan Hunter-Reay, who vividly remembers the excitement of receiving his first go-kart as a Christmas present.

"That set everything in motion," said Hunter-Reay, who won at Watkins Glen International in 2008 for Rahal Letterman Racing and whose sixth-place finish in the 92nd Indianapolis 500 earned Rookie of the Year honors.

Growing up in Boca Raton, Fla., where the only ice is found in the punch bowl, allowed Hunter-Reay to scuff the tires before his mother could crack an egg for Christmas Day breakfast. In the years to come, Hunter-Reay honed his skills and won four World Karting Association championships.

"For a while, the routine when I was racing go-karts was to drive up to Jacksonville on Christmas Day because we had the Grand Nationals every year right after Christmas," said Hunter-Reay, who turned 28 on Dec. 17. "There are a lot of good memories."

Holiday memories and traditions abound for the international cast of IndyCar Series drivers, many of whom are developing new ones with their young children or extended families.

"The main holiday for us in New Zealand is Christmas and New Year's Day, which is definitely different for us on that side of the world," reigning IndyCar Series and Indianapolis 500 champion Scott Dixon said. "I have great memories of camping, barbecuing and going to the beach, a summer Christmas, which is totally different.

"This year, we're going to England, so I'll have a cold Christmas, maybe do some skiing. The holidays are a nice time to get some rest and see family."

A bit to the northwest in Sydney, Australia, Ryan Briscoe enjoys the respite and family atmosphere after a hectic IndyCar Series season.

"Christmas is really like anywhere in the world; it's a time for family," said Briscoe, who completed his first IndyCar Series season with Team Penske. "It's a bit different though because of the weather. We wear board shorts and T-shirts and sit outside around a picnic table. Otherwise, it's much the same. Everybody gets together and opens presents around the Christmas tree."

(art by  Bruno Rafael)