Santa cracks a smile as 3-year-old Ryver Munns of Milton ponders what he wants for Christmas at the Janesville Mall. Ryver asked for a snow shovel and for dog food for the family pet.
JANESVILLE — Daily headlines of layoffs, foreclosures and corporate bailouts might dampen the Christmas spirit, but children won’t let it spoil their holiday.
Kids of all ages flocked to the Janesville Mall this weekend to climb into Santa’s lap and share their Christmas list.
They can’t wait for Christmas, and they aren’t going to let a sour economy take their excitement away.
Blair and Tabatha Beckford, Janesville, took their three children—Collin, 4, Carter, 2, and Camdyn, 2 weeks—to visit Santa on Saturday night.
Visiting Santa is a Christmas tradition, the couple said, and their children love it.
Collin smiled at Santa and told him what he wanted for Christmas.
He asked for an alien, spaceship, truck, Indiana Jones whip and Legos.
Carter wanted a dinosaur.
In the mall, Santa was sitting in a chair surrounded by Christmas lights, trees and nutcrackers. Decorations such as presents, candles and bells brightened the area. A white picket fence completed the display.
Jeremy and Angie Smalley, Janesville, took their son, Carter, 2, to see Santa.
The couple makes sure Carter never misses the big guy.
“This is his third Christmas, and it’s the third time we brought him to see Santa,” Jeremy said.
Carter asked Santa for a toy of Lighting McQueen from the movie “Cars.” He also wants a Diego figurine from the television show “Dora the Explorer.”
Then Carter had his photograph taken with Santa.
“He did a good job smiling,” Angie said.