Standing under a light drizzle, the 8-year-old Watts twins were undeterred by the cold weather as they waited in line to talk to Santa Claus in Old Town on Saturday.

Matthew Watts had already written out his toy wish list, and he kept it close as he waited. Sarah Watts didn't need a list ---- she had memorized hers.

"I want the Mario Kart game for the Wii, the board game Operation, and a koala and shark Webkinz," Sarah said.

The Watts siblings were two of the dozens of children of all ages to visit Santa Claus on Saturday, who set up shop in Temecula as part of the city's annual holiday activities.

In keeping with tradition, Mayer, Ariz., resident Vince Benoit, 62, reprised his role as Santa, a gig he's had here for about 10 years.

He's popular among many local parents who continue to return to Old Town with the kids just for a visit and pictures with him.

"This is the eighth year we have been here," said Cindy Watts, the twins' mom. "We brought them here when they were 6 months old. We love this Santa. He is so grandpa-ish, so cool."

To Benoit, playing Santa isn't just a job. It's a chance to help kids believe in the magic of Christmas, he said.

"Kids are a blessing," Benoit said.

For each child who visited the makeshift gingerbread-looking house set up along Front Street where Benoit was stationed, he would ask them how school was going, joke that they've grown since last year, and often call them by their first name.

For kids who appeared scared, he'd coax them over to simply stand next to him, and by the end of the visit, many were hugging him.

Some kids just piled on in and onto his lap, wish list in hand, and Benoit would read it slowly and carefully out loud, appearing to give every item deep consideration.

After Santa learned 8-year-old Emilee Rolleg's wish list was on Amazon.com, he said in a serious tone, "Well, I'll be sure to log on tonight."

To one young man who was a bit stiff with nervousness, Benoit said, "Sit down like it's an overstuffed chair, you won't hurt me ---- I promise."

One young girl who was particularly boisterous teased him about his beard.

"You know how long I've had this beard? Since before you were even thought of," Benoit joked back.

Actually, his beard is a serious endeavor. He never shaves it off, even throughout the hot summer months in his home state of Arizona, he said.

"I have four kids and 15 grandkids, and my kids have seen me without a beard once, and my grandkids have never seen me without a beard," Benoit said. "They wouldn't know me if I shaved ---- my goodness."

Connecting with kids is why Benoit said he loves what he does. He's kept the letters to Santa, wish lists and pictures he's collected over the years, and now has stacks and bags of them at home, he said.

"I love reading them," he said. "With children, what they write is from their heart. It's actually what they believe. So it's great to see kids who believe in Christmas."

Every year brings stories of sadness to his lap, and this year was no exception.

"Last night, one young man about 7, all he wanted for Christmas was his brothers and mother," Benoit said. "I asked him where they lived, and he said 'Mexico.'"

But even though there are heartbreaking moments, most of the visits are fun and filled with smiles ---- even if they don't start off that way.

One-year-old Valerie Massa cried, with big tears streaming down her face, as her mother, Christine Massa, carried the toddler into Santa's house along with her other children, 5-year-old Giovanni and 3-year-old Estelle.

"We are just going to break her into Santa," Christine Massa told Benoit as she sat down in front of him with Valerie and her other children. "No pictures."

The family began to converse with Benoit. Giovanni wants Lego Star Wars.

Estelle wants a new bike. Santa asked about her favorite color. It's pink.

Then it was Valerie's turn. It took a little coaxing, but the verdict was a baby doll.

In the end, as the family left, the kids gave Santa "thank yous" and hugs, except for Valerie, who gave him a high-five.

After the family left, Benoit said, "I plan on doing this for another 20 years."

Santa will be available for visits at his house at Old Town Front and Main streets from 1 to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 20. Pictures taken at the house benefit local Boy Scout troops.