A GENERATION of Redlanders have grown up with Victoria Point Shopping Centre's Santa Claus Geoff Bowden.
Known as the real Santa for his authentic beard, Mr Bowden is celebrating 15 years in the role of jolly old St Nic in 2020.
During his time, it is estimated that he has spent more than 3000 hours sitting in the Santa chair and been visited by more than 75,000 children - some on multiple occasions.
He began his career as Santa about 45 years ago during the first Christmas at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre.
It did not take long for him to get the job at Victoria Point.
Mr Bowden said the interviewers took one look at his beard and hired him on the spot.
He said his favourite part of the job was bringing a smile to children's faces.
"Some see me and yell 'Santa', others are very reserved," Mr Bowden said.
"When I was in the chair they used to bolt towards me and I would have to catch them.
"I ask them whether they help at home, keep their room tidy and put their toys away. The parents love that."
Mr Bowden, 80, said he had received a range of requests for presents over the years, including children asking for a pet cat or dog.
"My standard answer to that is 'Santa doesn't have livestock'," he said.
"I always say 'imagine what would happen if it made a mess in the toy sack?'. That usually gets the message through.
"There have been a few requests for drones this year, that is a popular thing.
"Usually they will ask for what is topical on the television at the time. Nerf guns are a bit of an attraction."
He said LEGO had been a gift of choice for many children over the years.
"That is a big one," Mr Bowden said. "I usually try and steer the kids away from electronic things and towards things like cricket bats, footballs or basketballs, more sporting goods.
"You always ask them what they do outside of school and encourage sporting activities."
Mr Bowden, a retired engineer from Lota, is a self-confessed grey nomad.
He spends some of his time away from playing Santa travelling around Australia.
Photo opportunities at Victoria Point Shopping Centre began on Saturday and run until Christmas eve.
Mr Bowden will be there asking the same questions he has been for 15 years.
"One of the tricks I use is asking them what they leave out for Rudolph and the other reindeers," he said.
"I also ask what they leave out for Santa and tell them that if they have made cookies, they need to write an 'S' on them so I know it's for me."
"It makes your day to see the smiles on the kids' faces."
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