What’s on your Christmas wish list for 2022?

A new car? A Jet Ski? How about Gordon McKernan leaving a neatly wrapped NIL deal under your tree?

Fortunately after a couple of COVID Christmases, the world is lurching back toward normal. Back to worrying about more traditional stuff like marauding Russians, communism via TikTok and just how big a bubble cryptocurrency is (who could have seen that coming?). But hey, at least the Kardashians have a new TV series, so we know someone’s Christmas wishes were answered last year.

Our Christmas wish list naturally takes on a more sporting bent. Personally, I wish to stop hitting the ball off the toe of my irons, but there are bigger sporting fish to fry than my anemic golf game.

So it’s time to have Angel Reese reach up and put the angel on top of the tree and get to wishing. On Woodward! On Loomis! On Mulkey! To the top of the Tiger Stadium club seats porch to the top of the Alex Box Stadium wall, now dash away all!

• A College Football Playoff bid for Brian Kelly and his second LSU team. If the Tigers can get past Florida State in the opener this time, they will have a shot. Having Jayden Daniels back helps big time.

• For retiring NCAA president and former LSU chancellor Mark Emmert, a perfect bracket.

• A No. 1 recruiting class. Now a No. 1 ranking. LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson knows what comes next, or at least what is expected next. I’d like to wish some patience from LSU baseball fans if the Tigers don’t win the College World Series in Johnson’s second year on the job. But then again, I’m still looking for that Monet in the attic (flashlight and a crowbar, please).

• A Women’s Final Four berth for Kim Mulkey and her Tigers. Too soon by a year? Maybe not.

• A trophy case for LSU women’s basketball’s Miss Reese. If the rest of her season is anything like her start — 12 double-doubles in 12 games — she’s going to need it.

• A Pro Football Hall of Fame induction knock on the door for Baton Rouge native and Catholic High star Warrick Dunn (his humanitarian work alone should get him in), the Saints Jahri Evans and La’Roi Glover and Ragin’ Cajuns star Brian Mitchell. You’ve got to believe an NFL-record 14,000 return yards eventually will open the door for Mitchell.

• For the LIV Golf tour, a pulled plug from the Saudi Private Investment fund. That would mean a pink slip as well for LIV CEO Greg Norman, so that would be the gift that keeps on giving the whole year. In fact, if Norman — who is reportedly worth $400 million, so he can afford to get fired — gets the heave-ho, I hereby promise to enroll him in the Jelly of the Month Club. I’ll say it came from his cousin Eddie (Edward being my actual first name).

• While on the subject of golf, a Masters green jacket for Rory McIlroy, defender of the faith that is the PGA Tour and an all-around good bloke. Winning the Masters is the one title he needs to complete the career grand slam.

• For former Saints quarterback turned interim Purdue assistant coach Drew Brees, some earplugs in case LSU fans decide to boo him during the Citrus Bowl (he’s not being disloyal, folks, just helping out his alma mater). Of course, if Brees offers to buy every LSU fan at the Citrus Bowl a boilermaker to drink, all will be forgiven.

• For LSU football, cutting down the number of special-teams gaffes (blocked kicks, long returns, etc.) to being counted on one hand. No, seriously. We could say zero special-teams mistakes, but I’m not finding a lost Monet in my attic, either.

• A farewell fruitcake from all the Southwestern Athletic Conference football coaches to Coach Prime, c/o the Colorado Buffaloes football office. Hell, they’re probably so happy to see him go they’ll serve it on a 75-inch TV.

• While we’re on the subject, I’ll take a 75-inch TV for Christmas as well. Hold the fruitcake.

• A white Christmas. Hey, if it’s going to be this cold, why not?

Well, that’s about all from me. Those Christmas presents for my dear wife aren’t going to wrap themselves.

To all, a Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and may there be a pair of Taylor Swift concert tickets on your tree come Christmas morning (even if you don’t want them, you could trade them for a suite at the Caesars Superdome or beachfront property in Destin, Florida).

Seriously, though, peace and happiness to all and an even better 2023.

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