“My first memory was when my uncle dressed up as Santa in Kansas City. ... I thought it was amazing because I thought it was Santa Claus showing up at the house.”

— Chris Ward, Kansas University student, Lawrence

“We had a Santa Claus statue under the tree. My parents bought it for my little sister. ... I was about 5, I think. Boy, that was a long time ago. I'm 78 now.”

— Jack Brown, semi-retired detist, Kansas City, Mo.

“In the military they have a thing where all the kids go to meet Santa. ... I told him I wanted Play-Doh. He turned around, gave me a box and it was Play-Doh. I opened it and thought, 'Oh my God, he's real.'”

— Jamie Gonce, veterinary technician and cosmetologist, Lawrence

“The first time I ever met Santa, I was 3 or 4 years old. This guy in a Santa costume was just getting off work and going to a party. ... He was nice and he acted like he was Santa for a little bit longer.”

— Leah Conner, property manager, Pittsburg