13°c A few clouds
6°c Clear
Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION
A few Christmas wishes
The poetic point I'm trying to make (and I am trying to make one) is that I (and by "I," I mean "every guy I know") need to join the throng of last-minute male shoppers right now and use all my mental energy to decide if my wife would truly appreciate getting a variable-speed belt sander under the tree this year, whereas you (and by "you," I mean "all the understanding women married to insensitive lunkheads like me") need an informative and entertaining column to calm your jangled holiday nerves.
Fortunately, I prepared for this moment recently when I served as a judge at the 103rd annual Santa Claus Parade. Joining me on the expert panel were Jim Ludlow, president and CEO of True North Sports and Entertainment; Garth Buchko, president and CEO of the Bombers; Goldeyes GM Andrew Collier; and legendary radio personality Don "the Master of the Morning" Percy.
I asked each of my fellow judges what they'd like Santa to bring them this year, because I knew, deep in my heart, I could lash their answers together into a column, then hit the mall with all the other guys to finish shopping. Here's what they told me:
Fish boss Andrew Collier: "I got my Christmas present early this September -- the American Association championship. I'd like Santa to bring us a repeat. That would be great. And I'd like to be able to watch some NHL in the new year in my seats."
Bomber boss Garth Buchko: "Like Andrew, I have two wishes. My first present would be health and happiness for my family and friends. The second would be the celebration of the opening of our new stadium, Investors Group Field, next year."
Then, after the briefest pause, he added: "And a Grey Cup. OK, that's three."
True North boss Jim Ludlow: "I would have said a Charlie Brown figurine. I love that stuff. My kids get that for me every year."
Fearing the Jets boss might be missing an obvious wish, I politely inquired whether he might not consider asking Santa (or the Grinch) for an end to the NHL lockout that is taking the jingle out of hockey fans' bells this year. He smiled and said: "We'd all wish for that under the tree."
During the parade, the always loquacious Don Percy fired off a non-stop stream of witty remarks, but asked what he wanted from Santa, Don became unexpectedly silent.
Then, with an elf-like grin, he chirped: "I just had my 75th birthday, so I would like Santa to bring me another birthday."
This made all us expert parade judges nod our heads. "That's a good one, Don," Jim Ludlow observed.
Finally, on Friday, while polishing off a highly accurate holiday weather column, I nagged my buddy Dale Marciski from Environment Canada to forecast his fondest Christmas wish.
"I wish Santa would bring everyone a warm place to be in the wintertime," Dale began quietly. "And I hope we get some interesting weather in the coming year, but nothing too dangerous.
"If I didn't get a present under the tree, I couldn't care less, because Christmas is about being together with people you love. That's the only important thing."
And Dale is right, Winnipeg. So if Santa doesn't bring you your heart's desire, don't let it ruin your Christmas. Because, no matter what the Mayans might have said, it's not the end of the world.
Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition December 24, 2012 A2
More Local
- Back to Top
- Return to Local
More Local
(1 of 30 articles for today)
First Nation celebrates groundbreaking on city's first urban reserve
1:52 PM 0
Poll
Most Popular Local
- Flood money paid for CEO's romantic trip
- 2 dead in crash near Portage la Prairie
- Crash claims two young women, RCMP say
- Chiropractor guilty of sexually assaulting, beating ex-girlfriend
- Some good news, some bad news from weatherman
- Housing a little more expensive in Manitoba: RBC
- Manitoba senators weigh in on scandal
- Developers to unveil plans for bold downtown tower
- Lake St. Martin reserve close to getting new home
- Quicker pickup of bulk garbage urged
- Charleswood deaths being investigated as domestic incident
- Man charged, victims identified in double homicide
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- Flood money paid for CEO's romantic trip
- Police identify slaying victims
- Developers to unveil plans for bold downtown tower
- Apple trick on Ellen falls short for city woman
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- 'Responsible Winnipeg' ads appear on sign run by mayor-owned Goldeyes' baseball park
- The end of the credit card?
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- A child-custody catastrophe
- Charleswood deaths being investigated as domestic incident
- Man charged, victims identified in double homicide
- Co-worker 'sick' today? Maybe it's the $17M flu
- Man dies after being pulled from vehicle submerged in Winnipeg retention pond
- '2 minutes after I read the winning numbers, I retired': Winnipeg lotto winner
- Parents, community relieved and elated as missing boy found safe
- No threat from bag found at Winnipeg Square
- Man missing since 2009 found safe
- Flood money paid for CEO's romantic trip
- Chiropractor guilty of sexually assaulting, beating ex-girlfriend
- City chiropractor guilty of beating, sexually assaulting ex-girlfriend
- U of M president targets low tuition
- Baby steps toward empathy
- Famous city grocer loved job, customers
- New units to help keep invasive aquatic species out of province
- New provincial restrictions on buying cigarettes
- Bethania board puts CEO on leave amid probe
- 2 dead in crash near Portage la Prairie
- Developers to unveil plans for bold downtown tower
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- Aboriginal leader Elijah Harper dies
- Fishing for fashion
- Famous city grocer loved job, customers
- Core grocer a challenge: expert
- Grocer Joe Cantor dies at 88
- Newly minted MD a beacon for kids in youth program
- North End proud
- Power restored to Linden Woods after goose collides with lines
- Hundreds pitch in to dig out houses damaged, destroyed by Ochre Beach ice floe
- Mental-health patients get own ER
- A child-custody catastrophe
- An uncommon phenomenon
- Steen invests $1M in family entertainment centre
- Earls on Main going, but new one coming
- Province introduces changes to rules governing landlords, renters
- Developers to unveil plans for bold downtown tower
- Crushing blow for amateur sport
- Boost same-sex curricula: union
Ads by Google
You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.
Have Your Say
New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.
The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.