Santa Visits Newtown, Shares What's Hot This Holiday Season

NEWTOWN, PA — Santa will take to the skies on Christmas Eve with his reindeer leading the way as he embarks on an overnight delivery rivaling FedEx, UPS, Amazon, and the USPS.

But before Santa departs on his North Pole ride, Patch caught up with him enjoying milk and cookies at Opus Elite Real Estate on South State Street in Newtown. He looked well-rested for his ride ahead as he spoke glowingly about the many good boys and girls in Bucks County.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, Santa visited Newtown often, attending the town’s tree lighting, riding through town on a fire truck during the NBA’s Holiday Parade, meeting youngsters at his workshop and house on South State, and attending numerous other events
in the community.

With the assistance of his local helper, Rich Fekete from Countryside Gallery and Custom Framing, he has visited with well over 100 youngsters plus 16 pets, including a 30-pound Maine Coon Cat.

So what are kids asking for this Christmas?

Topping the Christmas wish lists this year are electronics, said Santa, noting that his elves have had to retool the North Pole workshop to meet the increasing demand.

Santa drops in for cookies and milk at Opus Elite. Welcoming him is co-owner Mark Gatta.

Among this year’s popular asks are XBox, Play Station, Nintendo Switch, Air Pods, iPhone 15, iPads, and Occulus virtual reality headsets.

“I get a lot of traditional requests too like telescopes, science kits, no Lincoln Logs but a lot of Legos,” said Santa. “I get some who like the Ninja Turtles and the Iron Man and the Incredible Hulk action figures. I also get a lot of lists with sneakers and scooters. Trains, trucks, and race cars are popular. Of course, the girls like Barbie, American Girl Dolls, and Squishmallows.”

Musical instruments are another popular ask, he said. “Today alone I got an electric guitar, a microphone, and two girls who wanted keyboards.”

There have been a few more challenging requests, said Santa. “Not this year but last year I had one girl ask if I could bring Daddy back. He had passed away. And two years ago I had a request to get
their mother and father back together.

Other requests are “grounded,” he adds. “Some don’t ask for a ton of stuff. Some say just surprise them. I had a girl today ask for a vacation for her mother. Another asked for more days off for her dad. Some of the kids are wise beyond their years,” he says.

Patch wondered about the conspicuous absence of Santa’s reindeer and why he had chosen to catch rides with the local fire department.

“I’m giving my reindeer a rest for the upcoming ride,” said Santa. “I have them over at Tyler Park where there are lots of acres for them to graze.”

Santa has one simple message to all of his adoring fans - young and old.

“Be grateful for what you have,” he said. “Be good to each other. Treat everyone nicely, I’m thankful for the community we have and how supportive it is to each other."