Santa put in an early appearance Saturday at West Ironton Elementary School.

Seated comfortably in a big old rocking chair, the jolly fat man handed out candy canes and listened intently as each child crawled onto his knee and told him what they wanted for Christmas.

Four-year-old Jenna Rawlins wants a kitty cat for Christmas. "And a Barbie Jeep. And pop," she said, spying the nearby tables with goodies.

Her mother, Paula Rawlins, said that Jenna is not likely to find that kitty under the Christmas tree. "Dad is not a cat lover," Paula Rawlins said.

The other items on the wish list just may pass muster, though. Asked how many elves it would take to make a Barbie Jeep, Jenna answered "Ten."

Six-year-old Savannah Bryant wants a Shu Shu, an ironing board and a mop- and if she gets the cleaning supplies she promised to help Mom tidy up around the house.

"I'll put her to work," her mother, Lynda Bryant laughed.

Kaitlin Brice, who is also six, wants a Barbie Doll, a baby doll, and a Polly Pocket set. Again this year, Kaitlin will set out a plate of cookies and a glass of milk for Santa when he comes to her house on Christmas Eve.

"Last year we also left him cheese," her mother, Mary Brice said with a grin. "We saw the commercial that said if you leave cheese he will leave you more presents."

Each year the kindergarten school hosts a lunch with Santa.

After they delivered their wish lists, the kids and their parents munched on pizza and soft drinks. The kids also made holiday crafts and got their faces painted.