Santa greets children at Talbot's in San Mateo

A woman’s voice came over the Talbot’s Toyland’s intercom just before 11 a.m. causing a hurried exit from the downtown San Mateo toy store: "Santa will be arriving in front of the store in a few minutes.”

Outside, parents held hands with little ones dressed for the crisp winter day in hoodies and jackets anxiously awaiting the jolly man in a red suit who, with the help of the San Mateo Fire Department, has been visiting the family-owned store the day after Thanksgiving for about 20 years.

Kids grew excited as the hook and ladder truck turned right onto B Street, blocks from the corner of Fifth and B where parents and children stood waiting.

"I see him,” one little boy perched atop his dad’s shoulder’s said.

Others followed, fingers were pointed and smiles began to form as the truck donning lights and using sirens slowly came to a stop in front of the store where Santa disembarked his red chariot while saying "hello,” to the children waiting.

Many weren’t in San Mateo to shop, however.

General Manager Keith Schumacker noted many families come by to see Santa and also let kids wander around to make their Christmas list.

"The neat thing is, parents can come back, we wrap the gifts and can store them until Christmas Eve,” Schumacker said.

Before the list-making could begin for many of the young patrons, there was the simple matter of photos with St. Nick.

Santa wandered to the back of the store greeting little ones as they passed. Shaking hands with those under 3 feet and responding instantly for requests not likely to be supported by parents. One boy, for example, casually requested a pony for Christmas.

"A pony is something you have to ask your parents for,” Santa replied. "I can’t fit it down the chimney.”

In the back room, a line had formed. The Bamieh family from Ventura was first in line. While Ron, who grew up in San Mateo, and Jennifer greeted Santa outside with 2-year-old Sam and 4-month-old Henry, their daughter Ryanne, 14, waited in line.

After sitting in a plush chair near two nutcrackers, Santa was ready to start posing for the camera.

Ron helped Sam get situated before Jennifer handed little Henry to Santa. Henry had the hiccups while Sam told Santa what he wants for Christmas: Toy Story LEGOs.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.