Mr. Claus was doing his Santa thing, ho-ho-ho-ing his way around, talking to kids, and acting as Master of Ceremonies. The Knicks guard was there to announce his “Giving Tree” program, starting on December 18th.

Following the lighting of Jamal’s tree, which will also be located on the Seaport, “I will collect Christmas wishes from the seven Boys and Girls Clubs that comprise the Madison Square Boys and Girls Club,” smiled Crawford. “The wishes will be placed inside the Christmas decorations on the tree and we will do everything possible to make sure they will come true.” Crawford will also take seven lucky winners on a shopping spree in stores throughout the South Street Seaport Mall.

“I am doing this because I remember when I was a kid how much it meant to me when NBA players would come to my school and do things with us,” said Crawford. “It’s great for kids to feel that people, especially famous people, care about them. And it’s even better when they are actually able to talk to and hang out with players. And for me, it’s a chance to give back. It’s all about kids as far as I’m concerned. So it makes my Holidays that much more special as well -- frankly, I feel fortunate that I am in a position to do this.”

After announcing his program, Crawford stayed around to talk to, sign autographs for, and take pictures with the Knick fans of all ages engulfing him. The throng of three hundred-plus simply loved the smiling 25 year-old; people were taking their BOOTS off to be signed – and, with the wind blowing strongly off the river, it was freezing cold out there.

The huddled masses were keeping warm by a boisterous Tree Lighting Countdown, followed by an avalanche of Holiday songs by the gifted Big Apple Chorus, American Girl Theater Chorus, and the USO Troupe (which specialized in Andrews Sisters numbers). This was a full-blown New York Holiday tradition in full cheer, “and I’m happy and proud to be part of it,” said Crawford.

“I’m beginning to feel like a real New Yorker,” added the Seattle-raised Crawford. “I’ve been go to a lot of restaurants – I especially like the sushi at “Tao” – and to the NBA Store. And I want to see some Broadway plays as well as soon as I get the time.”

With hard-driving coach Larry Brown around, that may not occur until after the season. “After the playoffs, I hope,” laughed Crawford. “Coach is a genius. I’m not kidding -- with Larry in charge, I have total confidence that we’ll be all right.”

However, even the Larry Brown-coached Knicks will have a difficult time to be better prepared than four year-old Isabella Moore was for Santa. When the rotund Mr. Claus inquired what she wanted for Christmas, the tiny cutie immediately pulled a big envelope out of her pocket and handed it to The Man. “I wrote it down: I’d like a bunny and a little brown dog, please,” she said. When Dad Troy clarified “stuffed, of course”, to Santa, Isabella set the record straight. “Yes, but I have a real kitty called Tommy. He’s not feeling well right now.” Tommy apparently has had a bad tummy (from too many Christmas Friskies?) but will be all better and back home with Isabella in another day or two.

For the big finale, Crawford gave eight pairs of tickets away to next day’s Knicks-Sixers game. “How many of you are Knick fans?” he asked the crowd. Huge cheers all around. “How many of you like Allan Iverson?” Maybe two people cheer. “Okay, you two can’t come to the game,” smiled Crawford. “No, I’m just kidding. Is this fun, or what?”