NATCHEZ — When Tim Fuqua was young, Santa Claus didn’t visit the local mall or take photos with children; but for approximately 20 years, Fuqua has dressed in a red suit, worn a long white beard and taken photos with children.

Rushing into the Natchez Mall office the Sunday before Christmas, Fuqua hurries to turn into Santa Claus.

“I wish I was at the North Pole,” Fuqua said as he pulled on his black boots trimmed with faux fur. “This suit is so hot.”

To complete his outfit, Fuqua pulls on a snow-white beard, which covers more than half of his face.

Within a few seconds of stepping out of his office, Fuqua is given a quick hug by a child walking around the mall.

“I enjoy the kids and the different reactions from them,” Fuqua said as he approached the line of parents and children waiting in the center of the mall.

As Fuqua settled into his sled, a few children smiled and shouted out different greetings while the more timid offered small waves.

Unafraid and with a wide grin, 9-year-old Brooklyn Timmons sits on Fuqua’s lap for a photo. Before leaving the sled, she leans into Fuqua and whispers to him what she wants for Christmas.

“I like it when the kids ask for stuff for poor kids,” Fuqua said. “I do my best to tell them how nice it is for them to think of others during Christmas.”

The line starts to dwindle when 9-and-half-month-old Molleigh Mount meets Santa for the first time. At first unsure of the stranger with a long beard, Molleigh stares at Fuqua before bursting into tears.

Fuqua does his best to calm her down with a stuffed bear and smile before returning her to her mother.

“I hate to hold onto them when they’re crying and afraid of me,” he said. “I can remember several kids, and it’s interesting to see how their reactions change.

“One year they’ll love Santa, and the next year they’re screaming.”

When no one is waiting in line for pictures, Fuqua stands to stretch his legs and waves to people completing their last minute Christmas shopping, wishing each a “Merry Christmas.”