PASSING THE BEARD-TUG TEST; MALL SANTA UP TO SNUFF FOR CHILDREN.

Byline: Karen Thacker Special to the Daily News

One of the most common questions put to Santa as youngsters stream up to greet him on his platform at the Antelope Valley Mall is: ``Are you really Santa Claus?''

Santa, sometimes known as Doug DuPuis, replies: ``Why don't you try pulling on my beard?''

When a firm tug or two shows no sign of dislodging the white whiskers, the kid's eyes get bigger and the smile widens - the evidence is sufficient to settle their doubts.

It's all part of a 25-year Christmas tradition for DuPuis, who has been taking on the role of the jolly old gent since he was about 20 and has worked Christmastimes at the mall since it opened seven years ago.

He can even remember some kids' names from year to year, further evidence he is The Real Thing.

The beard is actually red - like Kris Kringle's should be - but DuPuis sprays it white with Christmas tree flocking.

``The kids say it's so stiff,'' he said. ``I say, well, it's a long cold ride from the North Pole.''

DuPuis started his Claus career as a last-minute Santa substitute. He visited sick children at a hospital and became hooked.

``From that year on I've always managed to do something,'' he said.

Sometimes he appears at family gatherings or attends parties and more recently began working shifts at the mall. He even makes phone calls to some kids in October and November to make sure they are behaving.

Passers-by look up at Santa and think what a hot, sweaty job it must be visiting with so many children, but to DuPuis the smiles make it worth it.

``The first little boy or girl comes up and they tell you what they want, and then they light up and smile and bat their big blue eyes,'' he said. ``That's why I do this.''

DuPuis and his wife, married 22 years, have never been able to have children. They spend Christmas Eve visiting family and friends and bringing cheer to their little ones. His wife becomes Blitzen - one of Santa's reindeer - and they make rounds together.

Over the years, DuPuis says the youngsters who visit seem to be getting more articulate.

``There are very intelligent children coming up,'' he said. ``They have very pronounced English, their grammar is good and they are very profound with their questions.''

Most children ask only for two or three things, though one memorable child brought a list that reached the floor - printed in large type so Santa could read it easily.

``Barbies are always No. 1 on the list,'' DuPuis said. ``There's Playstation and Nintendo 64. Choo-choo trains are always a favorite, and lots of remote-control cars.''

Santa doesn't make promises. His reply to all is: ``You be good and we'll see what we can find in the workshop.''

DuPuis has found that many children aren't concerned about asking Santa for presents. They just want to talk and to enjoy their moment with this famous Christmas character.

A 7- or 8-year-old girl, he said, told him she didn't want presents: ``I want you to have a relaxing day.''

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1 -- color) Doug DuPuis colors his red beard white to complete his Christmas guise.

(2 -- color) Sean Nicholson, 5 months, gets his photo taken with DuPuis at the Antelope Valley Mall.

Jeff Goldwater/Daily News