'Santa George' Shares Cherished Toys List, Other 'Clausly-Guarded' Secrets

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. -- Pillow Pets unicorns are the No. 1 gift kids are requesting from Santa this year, with Pillow Pets lady bugs, dogs and dolphins following close behind. This is the word from George (last name held upon request), who has been serving as the Santa for a Montgomery County-area shopping mall for six years.

Santa George also let us in on another Santa secret: jack-in-the-boxes are making a comeback.

Wondering what other toys the kids are asking Santa to bring for Christmas 2010? Little girls want American Girl dolls and accessories and Barbie dolls; for the boys, it's diggers. Zsu Zsu pets are popular, too.

Parents take note: of the toys kids want most, only Zsu Zsu pets involve electronics. This is sure to be welcome news to many parents.

We asked Santa if he saw the effects of the down economy reflected in the holiday wish lists of the kids who visit him. Many kids are oblivious to economic conditions in affluent Montgomery County, Santa George confided, showing up with two-page lists of toys they'd like. But others seem to know that even Santa feels the pinch and limit themselves to one or two modest gift requests.

Santa George sometimes has to tell kids he can't fulfill their wishes. When this happens, he softens the blow by reminding them that while he can't provide what they're asking for, there are people out there who can help. A couple of kids asked him for jobs for their parents this Christmas, and that's what he told them.

The most heart-wrenching plea this year came from a little boy whose daddy is recuperating in Bethesda Naval Hospital. The tyke asked Santa to bring his daddy a new leg to replace the one he lost in the war.

A new pet is a common desire among kids, one shared with Santa frequently. Santa George has the perfect answer at the ready: He can't bring pets, he tells the children, because they would jump out of his sleigh. Why can't he put them in a cage? Why, cages take up so much room, he wouldn't have space for all the toys.

The most unusual request Santa George has fielded was from a little girl last year who asked him to build her a bedroom of her own.

Merry Christmas, from Montgomery County, Md.