Instead, the 7-year-old spun her little fists as if pedaling a bike. The man in the red suit acknowledged her wish, also without saying a word.

The two were using American Sign Language.

"Many of them never had an opportunity to talk to Santa," said Barry Howery, who dressed up as Santa, and collected Christmas wishes from about 200 deaf and hearing-impaired children in the Denver area.

"This is the best day of the holiday season," said Lisa Herzlich, marketing director for the shopping center in the Mile High City where Howery appeared.

Children lined up on a ramp that looped around a 20-foot-tall snow globe. As kids walked across a red carpet littered with white confetti, parents and teachers clicked flashing cameras.

Kids pulled their index finger over their nose like they were scratching it to tell Santa they want a doll. Others slammed the knuckles of their fists together. They're hoping for games under the Christmas tree.

Kate Hylton, 4, smiled as Santa looked over pictures of toys pasted to a poster. She moved her hand in the form of the letter "z." She wants an alphabet set.

When asked what he wanted for Christmas, 8-year-old Abraham Gomez placed an index finger on his chin, meaning he had to think about it. He then clenched his fists and spun them.

Another bike.

Howery, who sports a real gray beard and mustache, has played Sign Language Santa since 1992. He learned sign language when he met hearing-impaired children at his church.

"It feels good to see these children come back, and seeing them grow," said Howery. "This makes me appreciate the season and the language. It's very rewarding."

Howery said it's important to let hearing-impaired kids know that Santa understands.

Alondra had one more request for Santa. She placed her head on two clasped hands near Santa's shoulder. The girl also wants a sleeping bag.

By Felix Doligosa Jr.
http://www.shns.com/shns/g_index2.cfm?action=detail&pk=HOLIDAY-SIGNSANTA-12-07-05