It's that time of year we try to give Ol' Saint Nick a little help with gifts for a few of our area readers. Some of these folks are just almost impossible to surprise and after all, surprise is one of the best things about Christmas. A lot of thought has gone into most of these suggestions. Then again, not much was needed for a few of them.

Sue Heman -- This new fan of NASCAR would love a pair of pit passes to a NASCAR race, any race, it won't matter where, she'll be ready to go. For her husband, Ralph, I would suggest a set of headphones to lessen the noise a bit of Sue's new favorite hobby.

David Harris -- a flight in a fighter jet. Maybe even with his son, Clint, a member of the U.S. Navy's elite Blue Angels, as pilot would be just about perfect.

Randy Baker -- a longer ladder. Seems that Randy doesn't bounce like he did in his younger days, but don't the Christmas decorations on his house look good, Santa.

Rodney Gaw -- Santa the a-number-one bean counter at the local hospital is probably the biggest rock-n-roll fan in the Western Bootheel (apologies to the local group). How about some concert tickets for this guy? He's already been to see Van Halen this year, so how about three tickets -- yes, it's a family thing -- to see Led Zeppelin on their reunion tour? Now if you think Rodney hasn't been good enough to get LZ tickets don't get him a lump a coal. A couple of Hannah Montana tickets will do the trick.

Jan McElwrath -- Well Santa, as you know from this past year, the chamber exec does some traveling and occasionally she gets into spots where folks don't speak the native language -- Bootheelese -- and that can get her into trouble. So please bring Jan one of those books that translates the language for her so that the next time she ends up stranded in a foreign land like she was last year in New Orleans Jan can communicate with the cab drivers.

Fishing buddies of Charlie Hilburn and Ken Johnson in Senath -- Well, last year these two guys caught just about every crappie that happened to be swimming around in Sardis Lake down south of here. According to them, their secret is a "spider rig." So to even things up a bit when they all go fishing next year Santa, please bring the fishing buddies of these two guys their very own "spider rig."

Damon Richardson -- It would be very nice of you Mr. Claus, to let the defending champion of the Redneck Open retain his crown at this year's tournament.

Charles Parker -- Would you please, just once Santa, let Charles win that game? You know the one I mean. It's not "Are You Smarter Than a Fifth Grader", the other game -- "Are You Smarter Than a Barber?"

Marsha Blanchard -- Last year you brought Marsha those new running shoes we asked for, so this year Santa, just give her a little more time to get into a few more marathons.

Jewell Wayne DaVault -- Jewell Wayne needs a few more lollipops to hand out at the drive-thru window of the Dunklin County Library.

Vivian Helton -- Santa please be extra, special nice to the DDD's unofficial, but much appreciated historian and bring her everything on her list.

Jordan Shelton -- This gal needs a new ankle bracelet. That snake she tried on last year didn't fit too well.

Frank Crafton -- How about a couple more goats to go along with the three he has now. You might as well go ahead and name them for him too, Santa. A couple of billy goats named something like Snapper and Toro would probably feel right at home with Briggs, And, Stratton.

Diane Risner -- A taller kitchen counter would be in order for this gal. That way her puppy won't be able to indulge himself in any more chocolate treats.

Steven Scherer -- Santa this fellow only has one wish he'd like for you to grant, but it's a doozy. Would you please let him beat his dad in a round of golf? Maybe if you you were to bring Steven a dozen of those "illegal" crystal golf balls he would have a better chance.

Abigail McMullan -- This wish may take a while Santa, but you can start working on it now. How about a berth in the XXIX Olympiad to be held in Beijing, China next year?

David Hine -- Why not make it a two-for-one in Beijing, Santa?

Daren Cunningham -- Let's give this guy a free pass, which means no abuse at the annual block party, for moving back into the 'hood.

Matt Mobley -- Fines, lots of fines for the Rotary Club's sergeant-at-arms, which means pictures, lots of pictures of Rotarians in the newspaper.

Charlie Madden -- Sharon's puppy is probably in need of some new makeup this Christmas season, Santa. Please try to find him something that won't contrast with his natural beauty.

Earline Hovis -- a bigger kitchen to handle all the deer hunters who have discovered her early morning biscuits and gravy.

Jack Holifield -- Well, Santa, Jack's friends all think he is putting too many miles on his pickup truck. Can you do anything about that?

Jill Lewis, Beverly Jones, Brenda Chapin and Spencer Furby -- Santa, I have it on first hand knowledge these folks are all going to need new running/walking shoes this year.

Bud Hunt is the publisher of the Daily Dunklin Democrat.