Leaning back with his leg up on the couch, Santa Claus reads to Lucas Kriner, 1, during a visit at Washington Crown Center Wednesday. Lucas was at the mall with his mother, Jessica Burroughs, and grandmother, Tammy Buchli of Washington.

For those reluctant to sit on his lap, Santa goes to the children and sits on the floor with them like he did with Lilah McCauley, 21 months, who was more interested in the Christmas trees at Santa’s Corner in Washington Crown Center Wednesday. Lilah was at the center with her mother, Jayme McCauley, and grandmother, Lynne Herron of Spraggs.

Landyn Hartlaub, 2, who was with his aunt, Kendra Shoffner of Waynesburg, at Washington Crown Center Wednesday, was reluctant to visit with Santa until Santa came over and sat on the floor in front of him. Moments later the two were best buddies as they visited the reindeer and snowman then on Santa’s lap for a picture.