We all know the holidays can strain family ties. It's usually deep into December when tempers start to flare, and eggnog-y insults get hurled. Not so for one Florida family, for whom Christmas came early this year -- resulting in charges of assault with a tannenbaum.

Authorities in Manatee county claim that Thomas Edward Lackie, 37, threw a three-foot Christmas tree at his father during a dispute. He missed, only to then grab for the tree's five-pound steel base and attempt to use that as a weapon. Fortunately, Lackie's parents, who he also happens to live with, were able to grab his arms and prevent him from doing any damage.

Lackie has been charged with felony assault, though he denies that he was trying to hurt his father.

Question Raised: What's the craziest weapon one of your family members has wielded during the holidays?