‘Tis The Season With Brett Lee

Have you ever wondered what people in the Canadian motocross industry think about Christmas? Well, wonder no more as over the next few weeks we’re going to reach to some pro riders and industry people to ask them some key festive questions. After speaking to Ryan Lockhart earlier this week and then reaching out to the 2013 MX1 Champion Brett Metcalfe. We now change gears and speak to a couple of industry people. Let’s see what our former editor and current Walton Raceway proprietor Brett Lee has to say.

MXP: What is your best Christmas memory as a child?

I think for me, when I think of Christmas as a kid, was sneaking downstairs with my brother and cousins. They used to all sleep over at our house and wake up super early. I remember going downstairs and the lights would all be set very low, and the Christmas tree would be lit up. I can remember that feeling, before any presents were opened or anyone else was up. It was just us boys. It was that very early morning, those seconds and those feeling are what I think of when I think of Christmas as a kid.

Are you a big Christmas person or not?

I would say no. Don’t get me wrong I love the time of year but I am really blessed in many ways. I think Christmas is about getting together with family, friends and sharing with each other. I work with a family business, I get to come home to my kids and Melody each day.

We have some really good friends that we spend time with. I know a lot of people don’t have that. They’re maybe away from family working, or busy with life that doesn’t allow them to have that time with people, which makes Christmas special for them. I am pretty lucky all year. Christmas is a good reminder of that.

Where will you be spending Christmas this year?

Well, we all get together on Christmas Eve. Like I said before, before any presents are opened or people are stuffed with dinner, Christmas Eve is my favourite time.  I love just being together, and the excitement and anticipation of what is to come. We will go to my brother, Matt’s this year. He always has a lot crazy things to do outside. Christmas Day is just our little family and usually we get together with a few close friends on Christmas Day. It is a good day.

What is the best Christmas gift you ever received?

This one is hard. I received a full set of hockey equipment. Everything matched, and I loved that. Another year I received my first set of motocross gear: blue answer pants, a shirt with my name and number on it, Answer helmet and gloves. That one stands out and I still have the jersey from that Christmas in my office.

Have you even started your Christmas shopping yet?

No. Melody is usually on it before me and loves shopping so I let her run with it. I am usually out the weekend before Christmas; I tour out and nose around. I am not much of a mall person, so I just keep an eye out, and then when I go it is power shopping! I have to shop on my own, it would be a bad deal if Melody and I went together. She likes to browse.

Would you rather race mudder or have to go to Wal-Mart on Christmas Eve?

Well, I am old enough I can be picky and don’t have to ride in mud anymore, but I think my answer before says it all. I am not a shopper. Although I could set some serious shopping speed records if the pressure was on to get it done. Let’s be honest, Christmas Eve shopping is pressure.

What do you want for Christmas this year?

Well, I feel a little boring saying this, but nothing. I have so much in my life, I am really good. I want what I described before for my kids. I want them to see presents, to be grateful and share that excitement with them. Harper is only three years-old, she’s excited for Santa this year and that’s fun to have that energy in the house. Caden is older and he’s excited but in a different way. It is a good mix. She wants Dora, he wants a clutch for his bike. I really want the kids to have a great Christmas, and share that with them.

What is your favourite Christmas movie?

I loved A Christmas Story as a kid, but Caden has me watching Elf. I know this sounds really brutal but my favourite thing to watch at Christmas time is the World Juniors on Boxing Day! That is a tradition I always enjoy.

Be honest, do you wrap present yourself?

Sure. We just got one toilet trained. I have been wrapping some nasty packages the last few years. Christmas presents are a pleasure compared to those stink bombs.

If you ever came face to face with Santa what would you ask him?

I would take him by the hand and show him my sock drawer and then ask him “What is up with socks every year of my life in my stocking.” I think Santa only checks in on me during flip flop weather because that dude sends thermo sock every year!