The lady who gave me this sent instructions to water it through the hole in the top

This is a bromeliad. It does need light, but it is very tolerant of other conditions. Likes to be humid most of all.

I always find the humid part difficult in the winter. I guessing it's a tropical plant then? I have other tropical plants and they have all lived.
Thanks :)

I found some info. I'm going to add it...for myself too..notes of care and info :)

Bromeliads are members of the plant family known as Bromeliaceae (bro-meh-lee-AH-say-eye). The family contains over 2,700 described species in approximately 56 genera.

The most well-known bromeliad is the pineapple. The family contains a wide range of plants including some very un-pineapple like members such as Spanish moss (which is neither Spanish nor moss). Other members resemble aloes or yuccas while others look like green, leafy grasses. Pictured from my collection is the most common bromeliad "Caroline" along with the Aechmea fasciata. The Aechmea type has spines around the edges of the leaves and the leaf is thicker more coarse. More common names for this striking bromeliad are urn plant or silver vase plant.

In general they are inexpensive, easy to grow, require very little care and reward the grower with brilliant, long-lasting blooms and ornamental foliage. They come in a wide range of sizes from tiny miniatures to giants. They can be grown indoors with ease.