A suspect was caught on surveillance video hot-wiring their new white Honda Pilot before driving off in it.
"I came out to put items in the car and the car was not there," said Mark.
The family is from San Ramon and had just arrived at the Candy Cane Inn in Anaheim Monday night around 8 p.m. for a Disneyland holiday.
Honsinger was walking back and forth unloading luggage. He says he had his keys with him, but left the vehicle unlocked since it was right next to their motel room.
"My first thought was I'm glad the kids were with me and not in the car," said Tanya.
Their next thought was that the suspect not only stole their vehicle - but the kids' unwrapped gifts in the back.
"It's not fun, it's a bummer, you know, but I think the kids are resilient and they're pretty tough," said Mark.
"I believe in karma and I think that bad people have bad things happen to them. And for us, we're good people, we do good things, and I think that we'll get our car back and that that person will get caught," said Tanya.
On Tuesday afternoon, Anaheim police payed the family a surprise visit.
"Some of the officers at the police department got together and put some gifts together and wrapped them for you guys," said Lt. Tim Schmidt of the Anaheim Police Department.
On Tuesday evening, police found the family's vehicle empty, two miles from their motel.
While the Honsingers' got part of their wish - a brighter Christmas for their kids, they're hopeful karma will help deliver the car thief to police.
The investigation is ongoing.
