Harford Mall Santa Says His Job is Delivering Happiness

The Santa made famous by striking a pose with an infant at the Harford Mall is the real deal.

“Once you take on the persona, that’s who you are,” said Santa, aka Larry Steele, dressed from head to toe as Mr. Claus.

“I’m Santa year-round,” said Steele, who has nine grandchildren. His business card reads “Santa Larry Steele,” an employee of the Red Sled Company.

During the holidays, Santa Steele meets with children and hears their wishes at the Harford Mall.

“Christmas is about their happiness,” he said. “When they come to me, kids expect to see Santa.”

And that is what they get.

Santa’s face lights up for each child who approaches his sleigh in the Bel Air mall, his white-gloved hands clasping each little one as if he or she is a precious gift. He listens with undivided attention to whispered wishes and beams at the kids as they smile — or don’t — for the camera.

Related: Harford Mall Santa Poses for Best Santa Pic Ever

He’s taken pictures with children in malls in Maryland, New Jersey and Texas. “It’s hard to find a real Santa,” said Steele, who has a natural white beard and kindheartedness written on his face. He’s been Santa for nearly a decade.

Recently, he made an adjustment for a newborn who was asleep when it came time for her picture. The photo of baby Scarlett and Santa Steele has since been featured on NBC Nightly News and Good Morning America.

Santa found out that the picture had made the rounds across the country when his daughter told him she saw it online. She lives in Arizona.

See Also: NBC Nightly News Features Bel Air’s Sleeping Baby Santa Pic

When he’s not driving his sleigh, Santa Steele is working for the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore, where he takes children who are being treated for illnesses to and from their appointments.

Said Steele: “I love kids, plain and simple.”

Santa Larry Steele smiles as a child approaches his sleigh in Bel Air’s Harford Mall. Photo Credit: Elizabeth Janney.