“And what do you want for Christmas, little tennis player?”
 
If Alto Lakes Tennis Association (ALTA) members could sit on Santa’s knee, what would they whisper in his ear?  Let’s hide behind an elf and listen in….
 
“I want Roger Federer’s backhand. It’s so smooth and deadly at the same time.”
Santa scratches his beard and replies, “Hmmm, I don’t think his backhand will slide down your chimney.”
“OK, in that case, just give me Roger instead!”
 
Next tennis player:  “I really want tickets to Wimbledon, Santa. I’ve been really good.  Please, Santa?”
Santa scratches his beard and replies, “You have been a good little player, so yes, you may have two tickets to Court One for Wimbledon.”
“Thank you, Santa, but can I have four tickets? For me, my doubles partner and our opponents. I want to be a good sport.”
“Ho, ho, ho! Four it is. You are a good sport.”
“Thank you, Santa! You’re the best. Oh, those tickets do come with unlimited strawberries and cream, right? And Pimm’s Cups?”
Santa scratches his beard. “Ho, ho, ho. You drive a hard bargain, but it’s tradition so, yes, unlimited strawberries and cream and Pimm’s Cups.”
“Now these Court One seats are right next to the Royal Box, right?”
Santa glares at the tennis player. A long pause follows. “You haven’t been that good!” and he shoves the tennis player off his knee.  “NEXT!”
 
So, ALTA players, what is Santa bringing you?
 
Melissa Kriegel’s Christmas wish came early, in September at ALTA’s U S Open celebration. “I wanted a new racket for Christmas, but I won one instead!”
 
As for me, Santa can put any of the cute tennis outfits at the Alto and Outlaw Pro Shops under my tree. He has good taste.
 
Celebrating in style December 2
 
Speaking of good taste, dig out that Christmas sweater your mother-in-law gave you a few years ago, the one with the tennis racket draped over Rudolph’s antlers, and join ALTA and our sister pickleball ALPA crew for a Crazy Christmas bash December 2, starting at 10 am.  Sign up on Foretees (Court Events) or email Melissa at [email protected].
 
Tennis in winter?  Why not!
 
Yes, players, you can still enjoy your fave sport here in Alto. New Mexico’s warm sunny days outnumber cold nasty ones, so join ALTA on Fridays at 10 am or sign up for your own court at Outlaw or Kokopelli.
 
Tennis, anyone?  Tennis everyone!
 
—---Yvonne Lanelli
Publicity Director, ALTA