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COLUMBIA, MO. -- He’s making a list and checking it twice.

Santa Claus is taking time out of his busy schedule to find out who’s been naughty or nice.

23-month-old Alden Bullard is just one of dozens of children visiting Santa in the Dillard’s Wing of the Columbia Mall between now and Christmas.  Santa said he has a long list this year.

Santa said, “They want a lot of electronics like the Wii’s, the DS games and the DS machines.  There are dolls for the little girls.  Barbies are always popular, anything Barbie.”

Ethan Ball, 3, made sure Santa’s beard was real before telling his Christmas list.

Ethan’s Mother Susan Ball said, “He wants a race car.  He’s mentioned a train and action figures and anything a little boy’s dream could be.”

Santa is also taking pictures with pet dogs and cats on Monday nights between now and Christmas.

Santa’s Helper Chrissy Schwartz said, “We had a good turnout this past Monday.  We invite everybody to come out and bring your pets next Monday night.”

Santa said there have been less naughty and more nice children this year.  That has his elves working overtime at the North Pole.

You can get your picture taken with Santa Claus in the Columbia Mall between now and Christmas.