There is the Santa from the film A Christmas Story, a somewhat callous St. Nick who scorned a boy’s wish for a BB gun. And then there’s the Santa at Oxford Valley Mall, who has become a parental favorite for exuding jolliness. Matteo Iadonisi, 6abc, reported the impact of this seasonal ho-ho-host.

During a recent mall visit, Julia Hansen’s three-year-old daughter, Ellie, fell under this Santa’s particular brand of charm.

Hansen hadn’t planned for Ellie to visit, but Father Christmas’ animated demeanor caught the youngster’s eye.

He impishly beckoned; she responded; magic ensued.

“He just really made it a special, special moment for her,” said Hansen. “He spotted her a couple stores back… And he just started dancing, pointed to her to come on over.”

She captured the bear hug Santa gave her daughter, lifting her off the ground in his embrace. And that video has gone viral.

It prompted several accounts of above-and-beyond Santa meet-and-greets.

One poster wrote of Mr. Kringle communicating with a special-needs boy in sign language. “It was just truly a magical experience. Not just like, ‘Here’s your picture, goodbye.'”

The Oxford Valley Mall experience for the Hansens was positive enough to warrant a revisit.

At which the Jolly One recognized Ellie instantly.

More on the impact of the Oxford Valley Mall Santa Claus is at 6abc.