Santa Claus has a busy schedule in his cottage on Cooperstown's Main Street, but he still finds the time to express his views and wishes for the holiday season, transformed this year by terrorism.

"I've definitely seen a change this year in light of September 11," said Mr. Claus, sitting back in his chair, listening to Christmas music beside a lighted tree. "There's a different attitude on the part of the families. Many children might be sheltered from the events, but parents are mindful of it and there's less focus on commercialism."

Children have been requesting fewer, less exotic items for under the tree, said Santa, and this is a change from recent years.

"Many are expressing that they want peace in the world, and safety for our soldiers overseas," said Santa.

More shocking than some of the outlandish requests occasionally made by children are the attitudes of the parents who sometimes think of him as a man in a chair to whom lists of wishes are dictated.

"Children have the attitude given to them by parents," he said. "Santa Claus is not an order taker of all you want in the world. I try to read stories so that children and their parents can see what Christmas is really about. But I try not to preach."

Sitting in Santa's Cottage, it's hard to picture conflict. Santa Claus himself has a peaceful demeanor, and gives the impression that he truly enjoys meeting with children and helping them understand the real meaning of the holiday cheer, as well as how to make it last all year.

Thirteen year old Chris Gentile met with Santa on Monday night. He said he used to rush to the living room after "Santa left the presents," and sleep right next to them. But now that he's older he doesn't. He recommends reading the Bible to preserve the feeling of the season year-round.

"I don't really want anything this year.," he said.

Given Santa's global commitments, his knowledge of the village is commendable.

"The Chamber of Commerce has done a great job publicizing Christmas in Cooperstown," he said. "A lot of families have been coming from as far away as Syracuse, Utica and Albany."

The effects of terrorism have reached the wish lists of adults, too, many of whom are purchasing or receiving jewelry to mark the spate of engagements after September 11.

"I wish we could go back to the good St. Nicholas," Santa said. "He had love in his heart. He was an incredibly wealthy man who gave to people in need. I'd like to see more of the spreading of peace and love at Christmas to people in need. And we do have a great deal of need in this area."

Santa said that the giving of gifts is not an obligatory event, but rather a "custom dating back to the birth of Christ," when the Three Wise Men are said to have presented Jesus Christ with frankincense, myrrh and gold.

Santa will be in his cottage every day until Christmas during the following hours: Thursday, Dec. 20 - 3 to 6 p.m., Friday, Dec. 21 - 3 to 6 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 22 - 1 to 5 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 23 - 1 to 4 p.m., and Monday, Dec. 24 - 3 to 6 p.m.