SIOUX CITY -- Imagine asking for that special Christmas present for half of your life.

After coming up empty last Christmas, Sadie Engel, 4, of Sioux City, is hoping this is the year she finally finds a Nintendo DS gaming system under her tree.

Two years is a long time when you're only four years old.

On Saturday, she took her request straight to the man holding the reins to the sleigh at Breakfast With Santa held Saturday morning at the Terra Centre Atrium in downtown Sioux City.

Sioux City Parks and Recreation Department sponsors the sixth annual event, which is part of the Sioux City Jaycees Festival of Trees.

Sadie arrived prepared. Not only did she know what she wanted, Sadie also brought a copy of "The Night Before Christmas."

"She wanted to show Santa she has his book," said her mother, Deana.

What Sadie and the other children didn't know was that this was Santa's rookie appearance.

Several parents said he was a natural.

"I think he's doing great with the kids -- I don't hear any screams yet," Engel said.

Maybe that's because this Santa, also known as Troy Potter, of Sioux City, is from a family filled with Christmas spirit.

His mother, Rita Potter, is the event's Mrs. Claus. His daughters, nieces and nephews staff the fleet of elves who man the cookie decorating station, hand out gift bags and pitch in wherever needed.

Potter's harshest critics were the elves, who admitted beforehand they were worried about his ability to belt out the trademark "Ho, Ho, Ho."

"They told me I should practice," Potter said.

He made them nervous by using "silly voices" when practicing at home, they explained.

"We thought that he would embarrass us," said Caitlyn Potter, his 8-year-old daughter.

No need for worries, because Sadie and the other children at Breakfast With Santa seemed more than satisfied with jolly old St. Nick.

And, if she finally unwraps a Nintendo DS on Dec. 25, you can bet Sadie will consider Potter one of the best Santas she's ever met.