It was the best Christmas ever.

I was 7 years old and there was only one item on my wish list to Santa - a stingray bicycle called the 747. I always assumed it was named after the Boeing 747 jumbo jet. So as a kid with thoughts of one day becoming an airline pilot, the idea of riding that banana-seat beauty to school would be a dream come true.

Santa came through with flying colors and I spent much of that Christmas and the years that followed riding the best present ever.

Most everyone can remember that one great childhood Christmas gift and the story behind why they had to have it. Here's a chance to share your story.

On Sunday, Dec. 15, the Tribune will run readers' stories along with those from the newspaper's staff about gifts they received as kids that have locked a special place in their Christmas memories.

Here's how it works: In 200 words or less, email me your story to the address listed at the bottom of this column. If there are pictures of you with the perfect Christmas gift, send them along as well. If you don't have access to email, send me your story the old-fashioned way to Lewiston Tribune, attention Craig Clohessy, 505 Capital St., Lewiston, ID 83501.

I'll need submissions by Tuesday. Please include your name, the town where you live and a contact phone number in case there are any questions.

As for me, while I have great memories of that bicycle, I honestly can't remember what became of it. Over the years I ditched the banana seat and stingray handle bars and replaced them with ones more suitable to trail riding and curb jumping. From there, my mode of transportation went from a 10-speed bike to my first pickup truck at age 17 and many other vehicles after that.

All were great but none could hold a candle to the 747.

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Clohessy is the Tribune city editor. He can be contacted at cclohessy@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2294.