AURORA - Shoppers who found that unique holiday gift for a loved one spent nearly a half-hour waiting in the check-out line, dancing to music and chatting with Santa Claus during MacKenzie-Childs' holiday sale on Sunday.

As she stood at the end of 150 person line, Seneca Falls resident Christina Ganzon said she often visits the facility's gift shop to purchase holiday ornaments for her children's teachers.

“I like to buy Christmas presents and wedding presents here because this is stuff you often wouldn't buy for yourself, but you would love to receive it as a gift,” Ganzon said. “MacKenzie-Childs' products are very unique and they are fun and vibrant.”

Shoppers who were not standing in line were busy browsing the bedroom and living room displays decorated with bright, clashing colors, or watching a Wells College chorus group sing Simon and Garfunkel's “Cecilia.”

While MacKenzie-Childs has traditionally done a holiday sale every year, facility tour guide Carol Ryerson said the business was trying to spice things up this year.

“We are having an open house today,” Ryerson said. “People can tour our barn, their children can talk to Santa and we have music for them. We want it to be an interactive and fun experience.”

Despite the windy weather and economic turmoil, Ryerson said many of the shoppers drove nearly three hours to come to the sale.

While some customers only purchased one or two items, others needed help as they carried their packages out by the armful. Some people were also forced to find shelter from the wind while they waited for someone to drive their car up to the main entrance to pick up the gifts.

“We are known for our unique ceramics and furniture,” Ryerson said. “We have people traveling from as far away as Syracuse and Rochester today to buy it. We are absolutely packed. Our lines have been long all day and we have a lot of people browsing our store.”

While the economy was a concern, Auburn businesswoman Chris Moore said she was using a coupon to save money as she purchased gifts for some of the designers she works with.

“It's hard, but I have to be careful with my spending,” Moore said. “It's still a wonderful sale, and it's peaceful even though it's packed. It's wonderful to be able to walk around and look at their stuff.”

Staff writer Nate Robson can be reached at 253-5311 ext. 248 or nathan.robson@lee.net