It is that time of year again, and Santa is taking a break from the North Pole to grace the people of Utah County with his presence and to listen to what little children want for Christmas.
The Santa who visits the University Mall has been doing so for four years now and said he loves every bit of it. “My favorite part is putting a smile on a child’s face,” he said. “If I can do that, then I feel good.”
Santa also said that the most rewarding part about his job is bringing some joy and happiness to children. “I like being able to coax a reluctant child over to me,” he said.
Sarah and Jon Campbell have been visiting this Santa at the University Mall for three years now and won’t go see any other Santa. “This is the best Santa around,” Sarah Campbell said.
Sarah and Jon Campbell brought their two youngest children, Rya, 5, and Sy, 4, to tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas. Rya told Santa she wanted a bike, while Sy told Santa he wanted robots.
Orem resident and mother of five Sarah Christensen brings her kids every year to see Santa. “They love getting to tell Santa in person what they want,” she said. “He’s a good Santa.”
The University Mall Santa is located in front of the soon-to-be RC Willey from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Dec. 20, and then on Dec. 22 and 23 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. On Dec. 24 he will be there from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Children can sit on Santa’s lap, tell him what they want for Christmas and take pictures, if desired. Visitors can also leave letters to Santa in his mail bag.
