The Upper Valley Mall began its Santa exhibit on Saturday, and the red-robed man who embodies the American juxtaposition — both giving and consumerism — will be at the mall at various times that will be listed on a sign near his display until Christmas Eve.
This year’s arrival was no exception to years prior: many kids toted long wish lists. Some shy youngsters came dragged by their parents.
But nearly all — at least, all who could see over the 3-foot-tall railing beside the line — gasped and stared at Santa as he took his place in the oversized chair, center stage in the skylit mall atrium.
Without so much as a speech to the masses, Santa began what he came to do. A little blonde girl nearly jumped into his lap.
Then came Kobe Massey and his little brother Jelani Seals. Jelani wants Santa to bring him a guitar. And then Gerald Lunsford, who wants an Xbox 360.
“When he came through the mall doors this morning, he said, ‘I’ve been really good this year,’ ” said Gerald’s grandmother, Tara Lunsford.
Brice and Trent Fries, 10 and 6, respectively, want several Lego building sets. Trent seems to be taking after his big brother, who has entered engineering-type projects in 4-H.
“The thing about Legos is, you can build anything,” Brice said. “... as long as you have the parts for it.”
“As long as you have the parts for it,” Trent echoed. “I was gonna say that!”
Normally, a fee is associated with mall activities like riding the new Snoopy train or jumping on a trampoline strapped to elastic cords. But Saturday, in the spirit of Christmas, these activities were free.
“Santa is always such a happy thing,” said mall spokeswoman Carla Miller. “It’s always just a happier time (of the year). People are even nicer, don’t you think?”
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