Merry Christmas everyone!

If you want to read our 2024 Seder-Skier.com Christmas letter, become a member of GripWax Nation today!

In lieu of spending precious amounts of brain power to write a ski-themed ‘Christmas Story,’ I just asked Chat GPT. Enjoy:

Write me a script for a movie scene from Scrooge’s Christmas, except with these characters: Johannes Klaebo, a world cup skier
Ryan Sederquist, a writer and skier who is very generous
TacoBell Guy, who is always hungry
Col. Pitchfork, who is greedy but has a soft heart

Setting: It’s Christmas Eve in a bustling city. The snow is falling lightly outside a sleek, minimalist apartment. Inside, the warm glow of Christmas lights contrasts with the coldness of the room, where JOHANNES KLAEBO, a world-class skier, sits at a desk, staring at his phone, deep in thought. His apartment is neat but lacks any real holiday cheer. The sound of a doorbell rings, and the scene shifts.

Scene 1: A Visit from Ryan Sederquist

Ryan Sederquist enters the apartment with a big smile. He’s wearing an open jacket over a festive sweater, a stark contrast to Johannes’s cold, modern vibe.

Ryan Sederquist:
(cheerfully, as he walks in)
Merry Christmas, Johannes! I brought some extra hot cocoa from the bakery—thought you could use a little holiday warmth!

Johannes Klaebo:
(glances up from his phone, distracted)
Oh, uh, hey, Ryan. Thanks, but I don’t have time for that. Big race tomorrow. Need to focus.

Ryan Sederquist:
(sets the cocoa down on the counter)
You know, it’s more than just about the race. It’s about balance. Family. Friends. You can’t win the World Cup every year if you don’t give yourself time to enjoy life a bit.

Johannes Klaebo:
(pauses and glances at the cup, then dismisses it)
I don’t need “balance.” I need to be the best.

Ryan Sederquist:
(raising an eyebrow)
At what cost, though? You’ve been pushing yourself so hard lately. You can’t train nonstop. You’ll burn out. That’s what’s happening to you. You’re becoming a machine.

Johannes Klaebo:
(tightens his jaw, dismissive)
I’m not like you, Ryan. You just write books about skiing. You don’t have the pressure of actual competition.

Ryan Sederquist:
(grins softly)
True, but I’m also giving back. Have you thought about doing more for others? There’s a world beyond the snowfields.

Johannes Klaebo:
(frustrated)
I’ve got my own life to worry about. Don’t preach at me about charity or “giving back.” You wouldn’t understand.

(Ryan pauses, looking slightly disappointed but then smiles gently.)

Ryan Sederquist:
(looking at Johannes with a soft gaze)
Maybe not. But Christmas is about more than just worrying about the future. It’s about living in the present… sharing with others. If you ever want to try something different… just let me know. I’m here. You know where to find me.

(Ryan walks toward the door and leaves, a soft jingle of the bell as he exits. Johannes stands still for a moment, frowning, but something is clearly bothering him.)

---

Scene 2: The Visit of TacoBell Guy

As Johannes sits down again, deep in thought, there’s a sudden knock on the door. He hesitates, then opens it to reveal a disheveled but friendly figure—TACO BELL GUY. He’s holding a large bag of food from Taco Bell and looks like he hasn’t eaten in a while.

TacoBell Guy:
(grinning, holding up the bag)
Hey, Johannes! I was in the neighborhood… and I thought you might be hungry. I’ve got a ton of tacos here—fourth meal, you know?

Johannes Klaebo:
(sighs, but laughs softly, clearly exhausted from the earlier conversation with Ryan)
I guess I could eat. Been so focused on everything that I haven’t had time to even think about food.

TacoBell Guy:
(handing him the bag)
That’s the spirit! You know, sometimes you just need to take a break. Stuff your face, laugh a little, and forget about everything else.

Johannes Klaebo:
(opening the bag and looking at the tacos, almost nostalgic)
You’re always hungry, huh?

TacoBell Guy:
(grinning sheepishly)
Yeah, but I’m not just about food, Johannes. I mean, look at all these tacos! It’s not just about the eating… it’s about the experience. You can’t win the race every day, but you can make today count by enjoying some tacos with your friends.

Johannes Klaebo:
(looks at TacoBell Guy, then at the tacos, and finally starts to smile)
You’re right. This… this feels good. Thanks, man.

---

Scene 3: The Ghost of Christmas Future—Col. Pitchfork

As Johannes finishes a taco, there’s a sudden gust of wind. The room darkens as if a shadow has swept over it. A tall, imposing figure appears in the doorway—COL. PITCHFORK. He’s wearing a sharp suit, his face full of wrinkles, but his eyes hide a softness that contrasts with his greedy, business-like persona.

Col. Pitchfork:
(with a cold voice)
Johannes Klaebo. You’ve done well in your career, but you’ve done little for the people around you. You take, but you never give. Look at yourself. You’ve forgotten what truly matters.

Johannes Klaebo:
(nervously)
What… What do you mean?

Col. Pitchfork:
(steps forward, his voice icy but with a hint of sorrow)
You are so focused on winning that you’ve isolated yourself. Look at what you’re sacrificing. The people who care about you, the joy you could be sharing with others. The future is bleak if you continue down this path. There are no rewards for the lonely and the selfish.

(Col. Pitchfork suddenly gestures to a window, showing an image of a cold, empty arena, with no crowd cheering, just an isolated Johannes, standing alone with a medal in his hand.)

Col. Pitchfork:
Do you see it? A future without connection, without warmth. A future where you’ve won everything—and lost everyone.

(He gestures again, and the vision shifts to Ryan, standing alone on a Christmas Eve, his face filled with concern. Then to TacoBell Guy, hunched over in hunger, staring at an empty plate. Both have been affected by Johannes’s isolation.)

Col. Pitchfork:
(in a somber tone)
Is this the legacy you want?

Johannes Klaebo:
(his voice cracks slightly as he takes in the vision, feeling the weight of it)
No… no, I don’t want that.

Col. Pitchfork:
(softens, his expression becoming more compassionate)
Then you must change, Johannes. You have the power to make a difference—not just in races, but in life.

(The vision fades, and Col. Pitchfork walks toward the door. Before exiting, he turns back.)

Col. Pitchfork:
The choice is yours.

---

Scene 4: The Change—A New Beginning

The next morning, Christmas Day. The sun is shining through the window. Johannes stands at the window, looking out at the fresh snow. There’s a lightness in his step now, a newfound purpose. He grabs his phone and sends a quick message.

Johannes Klaebo:
(typing)
Hey Ryan, TacoBell Guy… I think it’s time I started focusing on more than just myself. I’d love to join you guys today. Let’s have some fun. Let’s make this a Christmas to remember.

(He smiles and closes the phone, stepping out into the world with a lighter heart, ready to embrace the spirit of giving and connection.)

---

End Scene.

Brilliant.

Ski News: new ski race series in Colorado

• This study on the effects of the COVID pandemic on German skiers training wins the championship for ‘best xc ski research title.’
• The Tour de Ski starters were announced for the U.S. How about Nina Seemann…I remember seeing her name during the research process, but left her off my Dartmouth preview. Kind of crazy that Dartmouth returned three NCAA national meet skiers in Jasmine Drolet, Emma Reeder and Ava Thurston, but it’s Seemann who gets the World Cup nod. She’s had a great start to the season on the Super Tour …might be someone to keep an eye out for this spring at NCAAs…
• Interesting read about Andreas Ree’s struggle with weight in Langrenn.com
• Colorado skiers: there is a new free ski series at Frisco Nordic Center. Team Summit is collaborating with the Frisco Nordic Center to bring the four 5k races to the ski community. Sign up starts at 5 p.m. on race day, with competitions commencing at 5:30 (bring a headlamp, people!).

Schedule:

• January 8: Classic Skiing
• January 22: Skate Skiing
• February 5: Classic Skiing
• February 19: Skate Skiing

Letters, we get your letters, we get your letters EVERYDAY!

Hello Ryan,
      The interview with Katerina Henning was very well done, insightful and informative. You had good questions that brought out a lot of information.
     Katerina came across as a charming and delightful person and it was interesting to hear of her plans.
Thank you for your podcast and good luck with your skiing!

-Bill Schwing

Bill – 

I really appreciate the kind feedback! I thought all the German athletes were a delight to talk to. I’ve reached out to several other countries’ media personnel in an effort to line up some similar interviews – we’ll see if anything comes of it!

Merry Christmas!

Warm regards, 

Ryan

SUBJECT: Blue collar skier

Listening to Gerlach talk about Babikov makes our current skiers seem so fragile.

-Knox

Knox – hahahaha, Babs was pretty BA

SUBJECT: Race Schedule

Seder,

Two problems with your Race schedule. 

1. Pepsi Challenge FrEEEEEEEEstyle?? Nooooooooo. There is no other technique than classic. (although I suppose you are trying to win each technique)(you know TBGuy won the Pepsi Classic in 2009, YEAH THAT’S RIGHT! Not only was I the first place skier, but also I drank the most beers at the post race awards ceremony Kegger. (They need to bring that back)
2. You didn’t list me on your Factory Team. Come On!! (not sure if I’d be a racer, or team nutritionist (yes, more taco bell for you))

Amazing work on the pod, I see Nordic Insights trying to keep up with you by also interviewing the Index. A day late and a dollar short, guys.

3. Dude, I am trying to avoid doing this 100k. Everybody’s talking about it in Duluth. You should probably convince me to do it, though.

TBG

TBG –

First of all, where is the ‘toot your own horn’ sounder when you need it! That’s sweet that you won the race back in 2009. I need to have you on the podcast to tell the story – who did you race against? Any good drama?

Second, we should probably organize a ‘Champion’s Breakfast’ like they have at Griak. You can bring breakfast burritos, obviously, and I’ll bring water.

Finally, after skiing that course, I remember thinking the flow would have been more conducive to enjoyable skate skiing. But yeah, I’m trying to push myself and do a few major skate races…since I’m missing the SMR weekend, which is a huge bummer, I think I need to skate in Biwabik…should be interesting…

One more thing – yes, you should definitely do the 100k!!!

The world-famous Seder-Skier Podcast

We are in the midst of a 10-day streak of posting podcasts! Here are links to a few shows in case you missed them.

Be sure to tell a friend, like, write a positive review and share!

• Period 1 recap
• Sydney Palmer-Leger, U.S. Ski Team
• Tracey Cote, Colby College head coach
• Annika Landis, SuperTour, Factory Team athlete
• Andy Gerlach, EnjoyWinter.com
• Katharina Hennig, German Olympic gold medalist
• Friedrich Moch, German TDS runner-up
• Victoria Carl, German Olympic gold medalist