Santas in jolly mood

PROVO — Yes, Utah County, there is a Santa Claus — in fact, there are two.

And while Utah Valley malls are a long way from the North Pole, these Santas aren't complaining.

In Provo, the jolly philanthropist seems right at home at his local workshop, which is sandwiched between a Panda Express and a pizza parlor in the Provo Towne Centre food court.

"This is my third year in Utah and I love it," the Provo Santa said. "I love the kids and all the people here in Utah."

Looking casual in his red velvet pants and suspenders, Santa waxed eloquent about this year's models of Barbie dolls, which he said will add several pounds to his increasingly hefty sack.

Along with the blonde beauty, Santa said little girls are hoping to find Bratz dolls or Polly Pocket figurines underneath their Christmas trees. If crying and pouting is kept to a minimum, the white-bearded one said they'll get their wish.

Little Holly Southern couldn't be happier. She said she asked Santa for some Polly Pockets and received positive confirmation of her order from Mr. Claus.

"He brings you toys," the 4-year-old remarked in wonder.

Mom Tiffany Southern said that Holly is thrilled to see Santa in person and has been begging to travel from their American Fork home to Santa's Provo post.

"She's knows there are Santas at the malls," Tiffany said. "But she remembers him, so we always come back to this one each year."

Santa fans also flock to Orem University Mall to greet their respective visitor from the North Pole. That Santa said he often sees the same children day after day — all intent on making sure that Ol' Saint Nick doesn't forget their Christmas wish list.

"I tell them, 'Boy, you have to be awfully good for that thing.' " Orem's Santa said from his green velvet throne. "For all those presents you have to be extra good."

According to this Santa, good behavior is coming naturally to the Utah youngsters he has seen. Not only do they treat the old man with respect, but Santa said they grow sweeter every year as his Good List grows longer.

"This is what opens the hearts of little children," said Santa, whose only complaint was the Utah cold, which he considers to be nippy in comparison to the Arctic's "cozy warmth."

After the endless lines and limitless requests, these Santas should be ready to deliver the goods — carefully prepared by elves and Mrs. Claus — to Utah boys and girls.

According to Provo's Santa, there will be a lot of local stops on his Christmas Eve flight, which necessitates frequent chocolate chip cookie breaks.

"Utah has been very good. There are very few people on the Naughty List," he said with a twinkle in his eye. "I won't be giving out much coal this year."

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E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com