Dear Santa,

I am so excited! This is the first letter I have ever written to you that will be published in the newspaper. Usually, I have just sent my letters to you straight to the North Pole, but our publisher gave the go ahead to those of us who write weekly columns to include our letters in this week’s papers.

I think this is his way of throwing us a bone because in addition to our weekly assignments, we were also asked to help type the hundreds of Santa letters that were received from local schoolchildren.

This year, however, thanks to a Christmas intern and two high school students, we had help.  This brings me to the first gift I would like to request for Christmas.

Would you please bring Dixon Stone 50-yard line tickets to the Sugar Bowl? Even though he attends The School Up North, he has been incredibly diligent in typing Santa letters, and the poor boy will probably have some sort of finger ailment by the time her returns for the spring semester.

I have another request for my newsroom family, a camera for Ernest Bowker. He is an awesome sports writer, and I have noticed he has been doing a great job taking pictures, too. Among his sports shots, he has captured some really cool images.

Sweet Alana Norris needs a new desk chair. The ones in the newsroom leave much to be desired, and she got last pick since she is our newest reporter.

Alex Swatson needs an airline ticket to get home. Living more than 10 hours from family makes it nearly impossible for him to be with his family for the holidays.

John Surratt needs an official seat on the City Board. I think meetings would be more productive with John getting a vote. Surly the mayor and aldermen would agree.

For my friend Austin Vining, I would like you to bring him a time travel machine. It would be neat for him to experience life in the eighties when I was his age. He is usually one open for an adventure, and living without a cell phone or social media might be an interesting way for him to see how my generation functioned.

Jan Griffey, my editor, needs a limo and chauffeur to get her to and from work. She is still living in Natchez, and that trek has surly gotten old. At least if she had someone else driving the commute, she could catch up on her sleep.

Lastly, I would like a lifetime supply of red wine. I anticipate this upcoming year with all its changes may take a toll, and a glass of cabernet would be much enjoyed.

Thanks Santa, and say hello to Mrs. Clause!  Tell her she is welcome to join me on Christmas Eve for a glass of wine while you are off delivering gifts. No doubt, she helped with all the wrapping!

Love,

Terri