Dear Santa,
I remember years of wanting a long list of “stuff” for Christmas.
It verged on greed and I was forced to trim down my wish list every Christmas several times before it was parent approved and could be sent your way.
I would try my best to be well behaved for at least the three months before Christmas but there were many slips along the way, and even then, you still had my back and have always done well by me.
I always got the perfect Hot Wheels, great games and you hit it out of the park when it came to sports gear. Lacrosse sticks, Moto helmet, Ski jacket…When I was seven I received a sweet bike that had motorcycle fenders, a gas tank and huge knobby tires...you probably remember. Sorry about smashing the fender off Christmas Day, but those jumps were steeper than they looked.
When I was 10, I don’t remember trying particularly hard in school and I am sure I skipped at least half of my chores at home, but come Christmas Day, I woke up to a new moto-x bike and all the gear I needed to race. Good one Dude, that was an awesome year, and talk about surprised.
As I got a bit older I tried to push the limits a bit and would sneak “new car” or “sport bike” onto the list. You kept me real back then and even though I didn’t get the big items, you still came through with the more reasonable stuff without fail.
I hit adulthood and realized that it wasn’t necessarily about big stuff, but more the little things like kitchen stuff, accessories for my car, or maybe some tools. Although I had to buy the big gifts myself, you were key in keeping me stocked with the things to enhance or maintain the big toys. Again, thanks, not only great gifts but a good lesson too!
So Santa, the last few years my life has changed drastically. Starting a business, having a kid, then a second kid. I can honestly say I don’t want anything big. In my late forties I am very lucky and can’t think of anything material that I need or even want. I get a bigger kick out of helping other people and watching Rhyley and Regan enjoy your awesomeness over the holidays.
I am clearly better behaved now than when I was a kid. Each of the last four years I have asked for only one thing. I don’t think I’m being greedy or pushing the limits here. It’s nothing big, it won’t take up any space in the sled and the elves won’t have to build it, yet each year you have left me hanging.
Have I been bad? Do you think I’m too old to believe anymore? Is it my poor language, because I’ve been working on that. I leave homemade cookies and milk, plus a craft beer every Christmas Eve, but nothing in return. I don’t know what else to do.
So, I am asking you one last time, and please don’t let me down. I’ve been really good this year and I promise to be even better next year! And I’ll leave two craft beers this Christmas Eve.
This year I ask for just one thing...again. Please add four more hours to each and every day. Two for sleeping and two for riding my mountain bike. PLEEEAAASE!!!
I’m James Durand and I’m Goin’ Ridin’…