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Saturday, Nov. 14, 2009

Children line up at mall to whisper a Christmas wish

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From his perch on an avocado green couch at Modesto's Vintage Faire Mall, Santa Claus rattled off his most popular gift requests from children this winter: dogs, horses, and the latest gadgets and electronics.

There was a more unusual request from one little boy -- a vacuum.

"At least we know someone's going to get help around the house," Santa said.

Santa took up residence at the mall a few days ago and will be posing for pictures and listening to wish lists through Christmas.

A line of those waiting to sit on his lap and share their Christmas wishes didn't take long to form.

Some children were squirmy, like 18-month-old Michael Anderson, who slid out of Santa's lap twice. On the third try his mother, Michelle, was able to get a photo.

Others sat shyly next to Santa while they asked for Nintendo games and dolls.

Four-year-old Bryce Bramble has big dreams of what Santa should put under his Christmas tree.

What did he ask for?

"I can't remember, there were so many things," he said.