This past Saturday afternoon, I visited Santa at his house in downtown Alliance.
There was not a lengthy line of other young at heart folks, so I took advantage of his open-door policy and walked in and quickly placed my order.
It was short and sweet and to the point.
A Cornhusker football victory in the Dec. 28 Pinstripe Bowl and at least ten victories during the 2025 season.
Santa said he would do the best that he could.
Not exactly a promise.
But then, Santa was much younger and thinner than I remembered him as a kid.
Hopefully, this slimer version of Big Red delivers.
While you’re at it, Santa, please load these goodies in your sleigh.
Husker Volleyball: To be crowned 2024 National Champions on December 22.
Nebraska Men’s Basketball: At least two victories during March Madness.
Nebraska Women’s Basketball: The same.
Natalie Potts: A healthy knee and that you are back on the court by November 1, 2025.
Kansas City Chiefs: A Super Bowl Threepeat.
Taylor Swift: More cameos during Chiefs games. This will equate to my Chiefs doing well on the field – or, at the very least, Travis Kelce has made a big play.
Alliance High Wrestling: That every one of our ladies and gentlemen qualify for State. You too, Hemingford.
Hemingford High and Alliance High basketball teams: Journeys to Lincoln in March.
Alliance Spartans Baseball: To tolerate another summer of this aging baseball fan behind the public address microphone. It was a fun time last summer.
Alliance and Hemingford High football teams. Winning seasons and no injuries.
Now, on a more personal note.
Mike Glesinger: Perfect eyesight.
Jason Wentworth: Continued improved health and more Soapies.
Kacey Shaneyfelt and Molly Ridgeway: The joy of mama toddlerhood and all it offers.
Christa Fulk: Motherhood.
My Sweet Sami Allen: To be pain free and living the life you so much deserve.
Eileen Jensen: Good health so we can argue again.
Cathe McCaffrey: Improved health. I miss seeing you in public.
Patty Nelson: A sash that reads “The Best of 1969.”
Area farmers and ranchers: An abundance of moisture.
St. Agnes Academy and Immanuel Lutheran School: That you continue to thrive. Our kids need Jesus. And Jesus needs them.
Pastor Megan Morrow: That you continue your gift of ministry in Alliance throughout 2025. Our church and community need you.
Shaun Friedrichsen: Increased circulation for the Times-Herald. For selfish reasons, I need more critics!
All Box Butte County businesses and industries: More prosperity.
Alliance Community Table: May your ministry never go hungry.
Cynthia Horn: That she continues to exaggerate to folks about what a good guy I am. And that year number 32 of our relationship is as great as the first 31.
For myself: I just want as many hugs as possible from Noah, Grace, Emma, Brecklynn and Bronson.
For those I missed: I’ll turn your needs over to God.
And to all: Thanks for what you do to make someone else’s life better.
Merry Christmas!