Connie Francis’ legendary holiday hit “It’s Baby’s First Christmas” was indeed appropriate on a recent Saturday when Santa Claus came to town courtesy of Mayor Joseph Polisena and Johnston’s Recreation Department.

Countless children took turns sitting on Santa’s knee and telling Kris Kringle what they wanted for Christmas, as smiling parents used cell phones and cameras to record the extra special holiday happening.

Although he’s too young to actually realize what was going on, it was indeed baby’s first Christmas for Domenic DelFino.

With his brothers Richard and Luca looking on, the three-month-old son of Richard DelFino III and Vanessa Gonzalez was the center of attention as Santa Claus held him in his arms offering lots of love as he sat in a large chair beside a well-decorated Christmas tree inside the Johnston Senior Center’s spacious all-purpose room.

“Now that’s extra special,” many people offered as Santa Claus issued his familiar chant “Ho, Ho, Ho!” while cuddling Domenic as many members of his family looked on. “Now that’s a special moment and milestone.”

Meanwhile, many parents and relatives enjoyed the age-old event that jolly old Saint Nick made countless children feel special for inside of two hours.

In the middle of it all was Nicole Cournoyer, Johnston’s Assistant Director of Recreation, who coordinated a Snowball Relay to see what team could pile up the most snowballs.

The unique and fun-filled test featured ping pong and cotton balls while a second game was to see how many snowmen — tin cans covered in snowmen décor — the kids could knock down. Many children also loved a third game, a spoon and gumdrop race.

As has been a tradition through the years when the Johnston Community Center Association was the host, people enjoyed hot chocolate, chocolate chip muffins, holiday cookies, along with apple juice and water.

“We were happy with the turnout,” Cournoyer offered. “Everyone had fun and a special time for the children, their parents, and in some cases grandparents.”