LAWRENCE EPSTEIN
Senior executive vice president
and chief operating officer, UFC
I am an avid reader and like sharing my favorite books with family and friends. This year I will be giving a copy of the book “Strong Inside,” by Andrew Maraniss. The book tells the untold story of Perry Wallace, who in 1966 enrolled at Vanderbilt University and became the first African-American basketball player in the SEC. It is not just the story of a trailblazing athlete, but also of the civil rights movement and race in America. I will also be gifting John Grisham’s latest novel, “Rogue Lawyer.” It is one of his best.
I’m hoping to receive the August 1996 edition of Mad Magazine, which parodies UFC. It’s a classic!
CHRIS HANDY
President, Engine Shop
My kids: They’re getting the best VR headset I can find that shows their rooms clean and all of their chores done so we can all experience how that feels. #workethic?
My wife: Whatever I get will be insufficient. I’ve convinced myself that has nothing to do with my historically horrendous gift-buying decisions, and everything to do with gifts just not being an adequate token of our love.
Me: I’m a closet sneakerhead, so Santa should bring any shoe in a size 14 that makes the 20-somethings at our agency go “oooh!” That’s not a midlife crisis thing, so says my therapist.
PATRICK SANDUSKY
Chief of external affairs, U.S. Olympic Committee
Looking forward to Christmas Eve family viewing of the new “Star Wars” movie, “The Force Awakens.” Tickets already bought!
I like to give books every year, and this year I will be giving “The Boys in the Boat,” a story about nine Americans’ struggle to win gold in the 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin.
LOU KOVACS
Executive vice president, Octagon & Events
It’s all about “Star Wars” at our house this year: My kids are asking for the Millennium Falcon Lego set and light sabers. My wife and I are searching for a new digital camera for the family. We’re looking for something that’s not too cumbersome, but takes the highest-quality images and video, with built-in Wi-Fi. I’m open to suggestions.
And for my wish list, I’m asking for the SkyPro Golf Swing Analyzer by SkyCaddie. It’s a great gadget that attaches to the club and instantly sends data from your swing to your smartphone. I can use it inside the house, too, so I can still work on my game during the long winter in Boston.
WILL MCINTOSH
Senior vice president of business development
and strategy, Golf Channel
Hope for: I am torn between asking Santa for the new Macbook or the new iPad Pro. I would like to think the iPad Pro could handle most business needs on the road, but it is hard to leave the traditional laptop setup.
Giving: The gift of golf! I will be sending many friends and family members the new GolfNow gift card. What is better than free golf?
CHARLIE TURANO
Executive vice president, Florida Panthers
I’ll give friends and family memberships to the National Italian American Foundation. Reconnecting with my heritage has been one of my life’s most fulfilling experiences.
On my wish list is a box of Liga Privada “Velvet Rat” cigars, which have not yet been released to the public. These I would enjoy during evening conversations with my son Charlie III, who will be home on holiday break from the University of Alabama.
JASON MENGEL
Championship director, PGA of America
I envision Santa’s elves putting together toys to the beat of the “Imperial March” in the workshop this year, with everything “Star Wars” dominating our son’s Christmas wish list. Our oldest daughter is asking for Ty’s Beanie Boos (which I think are basically Beanie Babies with larger eyes?) … if only we had kept the toys from our childhood! Our youngest is still a baby, so that means cute clothes and extra pacifiers are heading her way.
My wife and I would love the same thing that was in our stockings as last year: a getaway long weekend without the kids! Also, can’t go wrong with Starbucks gift cards or a Mophie. In light of the coming election year, political books and wine: “Destiny and Power: The American Odyssey of George Herbert Walker Bush” and a bottle of cab from TwentyFour by Charles Woodson.
KERRY TATLOCK
Senior vice president of global
marketing partnerships, NBA
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“Hamilton”
Photo by: GETTY IMAGES
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On the giving side, my focus will be on my family. My 4-year-old daughter is finally understanding there’s life beyond anything “Frozen”-related, so I think I’ll go for a balance bike. My 19-month-old daughter enjoys the wrapping paper and boxes more than anything, but she’ll also get books and a mini-backpack she can carry around and stop taking her sister’s (which, of course, causes all sorts of hysteria). For my husband, it will be a wearable technology so he can log and get credit for his steps when trying to find our dog when off-leash in Prospect Park.
On the receiving side, my wish is to get something that’s tech- and screen-free! A night out with my husband and pair of tickets to “Hamilton” would be great. Although, I’m not sure I can convince him to get past the fact that it’s technically a musical.
