As I sit down to write this, I've finished opening all of my Christmas gifts with the family. I believe I nailed my choices and consider myself pretty lucky in the gifts I got myself. But with football about to kick off on Netflix, my mind has moved on to football and I couldn't help but wonder… 

If I could get the Dallas Cowboys anything for Christmas, what would I get them? 

Now, it's a tricky question so I decided on some ground rules before picking. Here are a few: I don't have to get them gifts that make sense for the 25th specifically. I mean, they're 7-8 by now and eliminated from the playoffs. I'm sure delayed gifts will be for the best. 

Additionally, I won't do "imaginary" things like "getting Dak Prescott back" or "the NFL extending the season to 20 weeks so they're not eliminated. For the most part, these are feasible choices, though some are certainly long shots. But enough small talk. Let's get to my five Christmas gift ideas for the Cowboys. 

The realistic one: An early contract extension for Micah Parsons

Parsons said last week that he'd love to sign an early deal with the Cowboys so the team can "attack free agency." Considering the amount of needs Dallas has heading into 2025, this would be a major achievement for the front office. Now granted, I'm not sure that's what the Jones want, as they've suggested they expect another "tight" offseason. 

But as long as they're open to being aggressive, extending Parsons early would lower his cap hit for 2025 and allow them to spend freely in March, which is where the impact makers are signed. The Cowboys simply gotta do better than being dead last in free agency signings like they were this season. 

The longshot, best-case scenario gift: Ben Johnson 

You know that feeling when you get the perfect gift for someone special in your life? That's what I'd feel if I could gift the Cowboys the hottest head coaching candidate in the market: Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. 

I'm fully convinced he'd give the team the biggest gameday edge out of any candidate. It's looking like they might run it back with Mike McCarthy, and I have little to no hope of Dallas landing Johnson with how selective he appears to be. But one can dream. 

A short-term gift: Beat the Eagles

I've made my feelings about "tanking" very clear. I just don't think a better draft pick will make the difference for the Cowboys going forward. With that being said, what Cowboys fan doesn't want to play spoiler against the Eagles?

Consider what Micah Parsons said last week when an Eagles' win meant elimination for Dallas: "Nah, at this point, it’s f**k Philly, now. Even if we got eliminated, like, I gotta crush Philly. F***k them. I hate them now. I be seeing them talk so much on social (media).”

A much-needed gift: Jonathan Mingo breakout game? Please?

The Cowboys gave up a fourth-round draft pick for wide receiver Jonathan Mingo. He's been with the team since Week 9 and has been playing since Week 11. That's six games played… with eleven targets and… two catches. 

Yes, it's been that bad. The Cowboys say they didn't regret giving up a fourth-round pick for Trey Lance. They're lying. Hopefully, Mingo shows something before the season is over or it'll be the same feeling in 2025. 

The socks style gift from your uncle: Running it back with McCarthy

We've all been there, specially as children. You get socks as a Christmas gift and you can't even hide the disappointment. Are they a decent, useful, good enough gift? Sure. Are they exciting? Heck no. Even as a 25-year old, give me something fun, man. 

If the Cowboys run it back with McCarthy at head coach, they are likely going to be a decent team in 2025 and beyond. They did put together three consecutive 12-win seasons before this disaster year. Give the staff a better roster and they'd keep you in the conversation. Useful,  but not quite what Cowboys Nation would want. 

Jerry Jones just made sure Mike McCarthy’s Christmas Eve is even better following Cowboys’ elimination

For better or worse.