From his perch on an avocado green couch at Modesto’s Vintage Faire Mall christmas gift, Santa Claus rattled off his most popular gift requests from children this winter: dogs, horses, and the latest gadgets and electronics.

There was a more unusual request from one little boy — a vacuum.

“At least we know someone’s going to get help around the house,” Santa said.

Santa took up residence at the mall a few days ago and will be posing for bangles pictures and listening to wish lists through Christmas.

A line of those waiting to sit on his lap and share their Christmas wishes didn’t take long to form.

Some children were squirmy, like 18-month-old Michael Anderson, who slid out of Santa’s lap twice. On the third try his mother, Michelle, was able to get a photo.

Others sat shyly next to Santa while they asked for Nintendo games and dolls.

Four-year-old Bryce Bramble has big dreams of what rings Santa should put under his Christmas tree.

What did he ask for?

“I can’t remember, there were so many things,” he said.