EDWARDS — Santa Claus took a break from his busy schedule Saturday morning to have breakfast in Edwards with about 20 of his biggest fans.

Children from just months old to 8 years from Warren and Hinds counties shared a meal of pigs in blankets, cinnamon rolls, cheese squares and gingerbread men with Santa.

When their bellies were full and nearly as round as his, they sat at Santa’s feet and in front of a sparkling 8-foot Christmas tree to hear stories of Jesus Christ.

A hush engulfed as the children hung on his every word of a baby born many years ago in Bethlehem.

One of Santa’s helpers, Nita Moon of Edwards, read from the Bible of how Jesus told his disciples not to turn children away because the kingdom of heaven belongs to them.

“We stress it’s Jesus’ birthday and Santa is a part of that,” she said.

Instead of reading scripture straight from the Bible, he said he gives the information in a way a child can understand.

“I love to see them smile and happy because they know Christ was born, and they will have the right to eternal life,” said Santa.

After telling Santa they had all been good,  the girls and boys were given a chance to sit on the jolly man’s lap and tell what they wanted for Christmas.

A shy 4-year-old Canada Stewart, daughter of Laura and Lance Stewart of Edwards, said she liked talking to the big man — but she said little more.

Marlee Angelo, 8, daughter of Jay and Maribeth Angelo of Edwards, gave her list of electronics, books and stuffed animals.

“I was kinda nervous at first, and then, I told him what I wanted,” she said.

Her 3-year-old sister, Madelin Rose Angelo, was afraid of Santa though she liked him.

She did say, however, she wants a computer and a baby doll.

After hearing their lists, Santa was surprised that many asked for only one thing for Christmas. He said children usually have long lists.

But, he told them, “I’ll travel faster than the speed of light to meet all of you!”

Before leaving the home of Jo Gayle Reeves, another of his helpers, he told the children, “You have to go to bed early on Christmas Eve and leave milk and cookies for Santa.” He added they should wake their parents early on Christmas morning to open gifts.

Before leaving for the North Pole Saturday, he went to Northpark Mall in Jackson, where he has been hearing wish lists since Nov. 6, Moon said.

“This is just an expression of Santa’s love for children,” said Moon. “He takes time with each one.”

He will be there each day until Christmas Eve, she said.

Saturday was the first time Claus had breakfast at Reeves’ home.

“I wanted children to know the true meaning of Christmas,” said Reeves. “Getting toys is fun, but the true meaning is Jesus.”

Moon plans to invite him to town again next year and expects a bigger crowd.

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Contact Tish Butts at tbutts@vicksburgpost.com