As usual, I ran out of time before finishing my Christmas shopping, but here's my wish list for:
Jeff Long, Arkansas' athletic director: Last year I wished to give him a bottle of Presqu'ile Pinot Noir, and since I'm sure he would have loved that, I'm adding a bottle of their great Rose.
Bret and Jen Bielema: A long weekend off after national signing day. Being a football coach can be so time-consuming it can be hard on a marriage and while the Bielemas seem really happy, a few days away from everything and everyone but themselves would be a good thing. Also a victory over the burned oranges.
Mike Anderson: My wish for Mike this year is that coveted spot in the NCAA Tournament, and no one wants it more than the coach of an improved Arkansas men's basketball team.
Jimmy Dykes: For someone to decide that the Arkansas women's basketball team, which is off to a great start under Dykes, should be the Lady Razorbacks, which is a compliment and sets them apart from the men's team.
Terry Mohajir, Arkansas State's athletic director: The best trip he's had to Mobile, Ala., for the GoDaddy Bowl. There's no pressure on him, as it appears for the first time in five years the Red Wolves will have a returning head coach.
Blake Anderson, Arkansas State's football coach: An injury-free victory in the GoDaddy Bowl for the man who appears poised to end ASU's string of five consecutive years with a new coach each year.
John Brady, the Red Wolves' men's basketball coach who recently got a victory over Mississippi State: Three great practices in a row, and those come from players listening and trying hard.
Joe Foley, the UALR women's basketball coach who has had unbelievable success and deserves another trip to the NCAA Tournament: Some luck in scheduling next year, because if he keeps knocking off programs like Oklahoma and LSU, no one is going to want to play him.
Steve Shields, the UALR men's basketball coach: Some luck. The coaching is there and the talent is pretty solid; he needs some things to go his way.
Joe Kleine, who is my friend: The greatest family day he's ever had.
Keith Jackson, one of the all-time great athletes and the one who is making a huge difference in his hometown with P.A.R.K.: The best birthday bash ever. It's already planned and what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.
Chris Peterson, who has started a sports consulting firm: Five major sponsors and a thumbs up from ESPN for the bowl he wants to start in Little Rock.
Arkansas-Pine Bluff basketball: The courage to keep taking on the big programs -- men's and women's -- and not get discouraged.
UCA athletics, top to bottom: Continued support, not just from the community but all alums.
The Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame: A sold-out banquet on Feb. 27 at the Statehouse Convention Center. It is already off to a great start and, in fact, looks like it is going to be the hottest ticket of the year.
All of the sports staff at the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette: A heartfelt thanks. It continues to turn out one of the absolute best sports sections in America.
All the guys I work with or listen to at KABZ-FM, 103.7: More great ratings and great radio.
Jerry Jones, owner of the Dallas Cowboys: Not only an appearance in the Super Bowl, but a victory.
My mom: To get over the pneumonia in her left lung sooner than later.
All my friends, who are too numerous to name: Peace on earth for helping make my life better each day.
My family members: I wish them the greatest day and New Year of their lives.
And last but not least, to all who read this column: Thanks and a very Merry Christmas.
Sports on 12/25/2014