By Ben Romans

There’s a little over two weeks left until the nastiest shopping days of the year draw to a close. I cannot wait. The traffic jams, crowded stores, and all the aggravating time spent waiting in lines will go away and life will return to normal. OK, I’ll admit I’m somewhat of a “bah-humbug” person when it comes to the holidays, but even I know there is a bright side to all this...

...The gifts!

Everyone in my family wants to know what I want for the holidays, and I have yet to come up with a good answer. I’m not being difficult, I just can’t decide what I want or need. So I’m asking for the can't-go-wrong present once again—gift cards.

In my family, I’m the self-appointed king of gift cards. I like to buy them, and I love to receive them. When I wake up and look under the tree on Christmas morning, I don’t want to see any wrapped boxes labeled for me—just envelopes. It’s the gift that keeps on giving until the balance reaches zero. And to be honest, I can’t wait. I’ll take an afternoon, head to the store, and burn through them without flinching—probably on stuff I really don’t need.

I’m curious what everyone else is asking for this year? I’m thinking I’ll dedicate some of my gifted plastic on a new bow or some new binoculars, when I reality I should probably be looking at some new camo garb. But what’s new and hot on your list? I’m sure I’m missing out on something. Big or small—hit me with it. —Ben