How a Christmas Gift Sparked a Lifelong Passion

The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and giving—a season that holds a special place in my heart. Every year, I find myself thinking back to one Christmas morning that changed the course of my life, even though I didn’t know it at the time.

I was just a kid when Santa left a GoPro under the tree. It wasn’t the flashiest gift or the most expensive gadget, but it instantly became my favorite. That little camera came with me everywhere—family vacations, snow days, hikes in the woods, even just hanging out with friends. I loved filming anything and everything, capturing moments that I thought were fun, silly, or special. I was vlogging before I even knew what vlogging was.

There was no monetization back then. No fame, no likes, no subscribers. Just me, a GoPro, and a desire to preserve moments and create something meaningful from them. Looking back, I see now how those moments were more than just play—they were the beginning of something much bigger.

Fast forward years later, that same footage from my old GoPro landed me my first full-time job in video production. The small, grainy clips that I had shot purely for fun were enough to show someone that I had the passion and potential to grow in this field. Today, I operate top-of-the-line equipment, edit in Hollywood-level software, and make a living doing what I love.

But none of that changes where I came from or why I do what I do. My passion for capturing moments started long before it became my career, and it’s something I carry with me every day.

That’s the magic of the holiday season—a seemingly small gift, a simple gesture, can spark a passion that changes someone’s life. So, as you shop, give, or celebrate this year, remember: it’s not about the size or cost of the gift. It’s about the thought, the inspiration, and the love behind it.

For me, that GoPro wasn’t just a camera. It was the start of a journey. And this holiday season, I hope you remember that the moments you create, the gifts you give, and the time you share can leave a lasting impact in ways you might never expect.

Happy holidays from Ryan Glass Productions. Here’s to creating memories that last a lifetime.