Grayson Moore, 7, hopped on Santa's lap, eager to tell the Jolly Old Elf about the skateboard, basketball hoop and cat that he wants for Christmas.
But his 2-year-old sister, Maren, wasn't so eager. Even after Mom (Sally Moore) assured her that Santa was all right, and even after Santa himself told her that he was a good guy. "No!" she cried, clinging to her mother.
But Santa, taking Christmas requests on behalf of the Central Missouri Master Gardeners at their Quigg Commons gardens north of the river, eventually won her over. Maren really wanted a special pair of toy sunglasses, she finally told him.
Both left happy, candy canes in hand.
It was the second such event, designed not only to give kids access to Santa, but to show off the club's "hidden gem" in the former Cedar City area near the Missouri River, Vice President Steve Stacey said.
"We do these things to get people aware that the gardens exist. It's amazing how many people here in Jefferson City don't even know the gardens are here," said Stacey, who spoke before donning a costume to play the starring role at the event.
The gardens were lit up, and a fire was started in the fire pit. Children and families brought canned food donations, and enjoyed hot apple cider while waiting to see Santa.
Santa arrived fashionably late, but his quick-witted helpers had explanations for the eager kids: "Santa's gonna be here in a little bit. He makes better time when there's snow," and "The sleigh is circling, but it hasn't landed."
When he did arrive, he didn't disappoint. He welcomed the children with his characteristic greeting: "Ho, ho ho! Merry Christmas!"
An excited Nicholas Jackson, 6, was the first customer of the evening. After leaving Santa's lap, he ran up to his parents and informed them: "He put me on the good list!"