xxx/xx xxx Stasie Broughton of Tyler comforts her granddaughter Prayer Carpenter, 3, as they visit Santa Claus at Broadway Square Mall Saturday Nov. 7, 2015. (Sarah A. Miller/Tyler Morning Telegraph) xxx

He’s making a list, checking it twice, gonna find out who’s been naughty or nice. Santa Claus has already come to town.

Broadway Square Mall’s favorite guest has returned. Saturday morning Mr. Claus set up shop near Sears and he is already shining a light on children’s lives.

“I love seeing their faces and bringing some brightness to their lives,” Santa said.

“I’ve had moments that just touched the heart, that I keep to myself. That’s why I do it, I love being with children.”

Seeing Santa was quite the surprise for many children as the mall opened.

Evan Devine, 3, saw Santa and shot behind his father Mike’s legs, peaking out from behind, not quite believing his eyes.

After some mild convincing, he met Santa and told him he would like a race car for Christmas.

“We usually get pictures every year, we’ll come check it out,” Mr. Devine said.

Prayer Carpenter, who is almost 3 (and a half, she insists), just wanted a candy cane. She said she’ll probably ask Santa for a baby doll next time she sees him.

Jeremy Miles, 2, was another skeptical toddler. He saw Santa and wasn’t quite sure what to make, but he had his brother Adryion Hunter, 5, to help him say hello.

Santa will host a special dinner for Simon Kidgit members from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13.

He will also enjoy breakfast with children from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 12.

Santa will be at the mall taking pictures and making his lists from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and noon to 6 p.m. Sundays.

For more information, visit facebook.com/events/823665577752613/

Twitter: @TMT_Cory