Elle Norman, 20 months, right, displays some uncertainty upon meeting Santa Claus as he offers her a candy cane Saturday at Weaver's Department Store, 901 Mass.

When Kate Nuzum turned 3 this year, she decided she didn’t need to be scared about meeting Santa Claus anymore.

But like several other children at Weaver’s Department Store, 901 Mass., on Saturday afternoon, her excitement turned into shyness when it was her turn to meet the jolly fellow.

She was more willing to make her request for a workbench and baby monkey in her mother’s arms as Santa walked by than she was to walk up to him herself and sit on his lap.

Santa, played for more than a decade by Larry Freeman, 65, Lawrence, admitted that to many, he may look intimidating.

“I see these guys that have these fake beards,” he said. “I decided a number of years ago that these kids deserved better.”

That’s why he prepared months in advance to look genuine at his appearances. In August, he began growing his light-colored beard. In November, he bleached his beard and hair white.

“He’s the best Santa,” said Traci Marcum, who said her children always go up to him willingly. “I think with the fake beard it scares kids.”

Marcum’s 4-year-old daughter, McKenzie, even offered two pieces of gum to him as a fair trade for her candy cane.

Freeman said he has seen all sorts of reactions, from children bouncing with happiness to more timid people like Kate, and the toy requests are just as diverse.

Konner Durham, 9, said she was good this year and asked for a Nintendo Wii, digital camera and a French manicure.

Ryan McCarty, 6, whispered his request into Santa’s ear for a remote-control helicopter.