NATCHEZ — For some costumed Santas, a good tug on the beard can reveal they’re just one of Santa’s many helpers.

But not for Tom Taylor.

This year’s Santa Claus Committee selection for the official Natchez Santa spent nearly a year growing out a beard, which has given him an uncanny resemblance to the jolly man in red.

“I had suspected I was one of the candidates for Santa, so on Jan. 1, I said that I was going to start growing a beard, and I wouldn’t shave until Dec. 25,” Taylor said.

He’s even fooled a few local girls and boys who have come to visit him at various events throughout the holiday season.

“Most kids pull on the beard, and when they pull on other Santas’ beards, it sort of separates from their face, and the kids know it’s not real,” Taylor said. “But when they pull on mine, they see it’s real, and then when I take off the hat, my hair is almost as long as the beard, and they shout, ‘He really is Santa Claus!’”

Those exclamations of excitement have been the best part about serving as Santa, Taylor said.

“It’s really enjoyable because you can see their eyes brighten,” he said. “And you can see their dreams on their faces.

“I’m really just having the time of my life.”

While donning the red suit and spreading holiday cheer has been fun, Taylor’s service as Santa also serves a greater purpose for the community.

The Santa Claus Committee got its start in Natchez in 1928, when a group of businessmen decided they wanted to ensure that even the less-fortunate local children have a merry Christmas.

The committee exists only for charitable purposes, and members pay yearly dues to participate in the committee’s annual parade, which is on Christmas Eve.

Santa and a caravan of committee members travel around Natchez tossing candy to local children.

Part of the parade also includes stopping at Braden School Auditorium and passing out presents to children ages 1 to 10.

“I am absolutely honored to be a part of it,” Taylor said. “I have a responsibility to do this correctly, and I have been trying to live up to the expectation. All the past Santas will tell you the same —that it’s a great experience. It’s just one of the most absolutely fantastic experiences you can be a part of.”