Kids visit mall Santas across LI
Leia Hong, 2, visits with Santa at Roosevelt Field mall in Garden City. (Dec. 13, 2013) Credit: Jeremy Bales
Judging by the never-ending lines to see Santa at Roosevelt Field and Walt Whitman malls, it's clear that people still believe. Here's a sample of some folks who shared their Christmas wishes with us during their pilgrimage to see ol' Saint Nick.
For his Dec. 12 birthday he received a Gotham City Jail and a Batman doll that's "almost as big as he is," says his mom, Maureen, 48. She says he often plays with his twin 17 year-old brothers.
As for her own Christmas wish, she says, "I want a new car; any SUV would be good."
He's the baby of the family, says his mom, Antoinette, 49, so "he gets a lot of love and attention."
Luke already has plans to drive his monster truck with a remote control around his house "running over stuff." Mom's wish? "I simply want health and happiness for my family," she says.
But there's more.
"My wish is for kids that don't have anything to receive something . . . right, Poppa?" he says, looking at his father, Peter Thompson II, 41. Poppa nods in agreement.
But Lindsay's about to get an even bigger gift this Christmas: she will meet her grandfather for the first time. "My father is coming from the Dominican Republic. I haven't seen him for 10 years," says Lindsay's mom, Julie. " We're all excited."
"Me too! So we can play together," sister Kasey adds enthusiastically.
Zach has his own ideas. One word: "Transformers!"
Mom, Linda, 57, is simply happy to see their hometown back on its feet after superstorm Sandy. "We are dry this year and that's a good thing," she says. "Our boardwalk is back and it looks amazing."
Says the 9-year-old: "I just want everyone to have a good year."
