What do you ask for from Santa Claus?

For one, I would like to not make the repeated mistake of adding an “e” to the end of Claus when writing emails, notes or even columns. I cannot tell you how many times that mistake has made it in print.

As for the other, what I have asked of Santa Claus has changed dramatically the older I have gotten.

As a child, I would rely on such things as newspaper inserts and even the seasonal Sears catalogue to compile my list.

I would cut out pictures of those items Santa would need to bring and place them on a letter that was then sent o the North Pole.

Now, I will admit Santa did not always bring everything I had asked for, but he did pretty well. I don’t remember ever being disappointed with what was under the tree.

In my teens, I asked for clothes, cassette tapes and a stereo.

If I remember correctly, my first copies of Pink Floyd’s The Wall and Dark Side of the Moon were found in my Christmas stocking one year.

In my 20s, my tastes changed, as did my responsibilities. Clothes became far more popular and gift cards — while I am sure difficult for the elves to make — were huge hits.

Now, as a parent, I enjoy my children putting their lists together or asking Santa personally for what they want to see under the tree.

In the past few years, we have heard and read from our children such requests as a tractor, an iPad, a watch and toy cars.

But, this year, there was a request I am not sure I want Santa to fulfill.

As Clayton, our 4-year-old, climbed upon Santa’s knee two weekends ago at the Southern Heritage Air Foundation’s Pajamas, Pancakes & Planes, the two had a great conversation.

It started off so innocently.

Clayton confirmed he had been a good boy this year and reminded Santa — as he does everyone — that he will soon be 5, and then started off by saying he wanted a toy dinosaur.

Good start.

Then, there was the request, although a little off the board, of a toy Santa Claus. I am not sure those are of high demand, but it was a request nonetheless.

Then it hit … the request that would make any parent shutter.

“And, I want a drum set.”

Noooooooooo.

As I stood there behind Clayton, well within sight of Santa, I almost started waving my hands as if to say, “please no. Don’t do it.”

“Where did that come from,” I thought. “A drum set?”

And, if that were not bad enough, Fin, our 3-year-old, heard Clayton request a drum set and then said, “Yeah, a drum set.”

Ugh!

I am all for each and every child’s list to Santa Claus to be fulfilled. I want everyone to wake up Christmas morning filled with excitement and wonder at what might be there waiting on them.

And for me to have that warm, fuzzy, Christmas morning experience this year, Santa needs to fulfill my list this year.

At the very top, you might ask? NO DRUM SET.

Tim Reeves is publisher of The Vicksburg Post. You may reach him at tim.reeves@vicksburgpost.com. Readers are invited to submit their opinions for publication.