No one might embody the spirit of the holiday season quite like Edward Mostowicz -- literally.

Christmas shoppers browsing at the Nittany Mall have undoubtedly caught a glimpse of Mostowicz, cleverly disguised as Santa Claus, as he waves jovially to young and old from his oversized chair.

Nathan Stratton, 3, and his sister Kimberly, 2, of Huntingdon experienced first-hand the magic of Santa, courtesy of Mostowicz, as their mother Stephanie looked on.

"He's a nice man. I asked for a choo-choo," said Nathan, as Kimberly quickly chimed in that she "wanted a dollhouse."

Mostowicz could only smile.

"This is my favorite time of the year," he said. "I just really enjoy seeing the faces of the children."

Mostowicz, a true believer in St. Nick during his younger days, first appeared as his beloved alter ego 10 years ago in Long Island, N.Y.

"A recreation club that I belonged to had a group of Santas for young children during Christmas time, and I immediately volunteered," Mostowicz said. Soon after, he understood the power that accompanies donning the bright red suit, and he took on more jobs as Santa in his hometown.

A father of five, Mostowicz also used to perform his Santa duties privately for his children.

"They never knew it was me, making those times so special," he said. "But my 10 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren? I can't fool them."

Four years ago, Mostowicz and his wife moved to State College, and a brand new opportunity to bring smiles to children's faces arose. The Nittany Mall had an opening for its Santa position, sparking the interest of Mostowicz.

"They were looking for an experienced Santa, and I've pretty much been here ever since," he said.

Helen Ulicne, assistant manager of the Christmas display, admires the work Mostowicz does during the holidays.

"He's a wonderful, devoted man," she said. "He focuses not only on the young, but the young of heart."

Mostowicz laughed, recalling a time when an elderly woman plopped herself on his lap and asked, "Santa, can you bring me a man?"

"I was sorry that I couldn't help her with that," he said.

Ulicne believes Mostowicz's success stems from his friendly, familiar appeal.

"I'd adopt him as my own grandfather," she said. "He photographs the best because of his age."

He has no intentions of retiring from his job as Mr. Claus any time soon.

"I'll keep doing this as long as I can stay healthy," Mostowicz laughed. "It's such an easy job."