NorthPark Center’s Santa Claus is retiring after more than 30 years.

Dr. Carl Anderson, a child psychologist from Austin, first started coming to Dallas in 1989, The Dallas Morning News reports.

Over the past two years, visits with Santa were virtual.

“I always appreciate your notes and your pictures and, of course, the milk and cookies,” Santa Claus says in a video NorthPark Center shared on its Facebook page as a tribute to Anderson. “Chocolate chip are my favorite. Merry Christmas.”

After 32 years, Anderson has made a mark on Dallas. We asked neighbors to share some photos and memories in honor of his retirement. Here’s what they sent.

It’s not too late to share your photos and stories. Please send them to rumsted@advocatemag.com.

Susan Clot de Broissia, Lake Highlands

“Here is our series over 10 years. My favorite photo is the first one (2005) when my daughter was 5 months old. She didn’t cry … loved Santa! She took her 2005 photo and a note to Santa to her last visit in 2014. Santa thanked her and gave her a handmade pillow from his bag. It was a very special surprise. She’s off to college in a few weeks and was very sad to see that her favorite Santa is retiring from NorthPark!”

Olga Quiroga, Lakewood/East Dallas

“For 16 years, either my husband or I would pick a Saturday to join hundreds of people for a 4 or 5 in the morning vigil to wait for tickets to be released for the day. All of us know in our hearts that ours is the real Santa, the only one our children have known. We often shared stories with grandparents waiting in lines for their kids’ kids. Loved sharing pictures with new parents of our teens. Even through the pandemic he made sure to reach and touch many hearts.”

Annie Adams

Pictured here is Dr. Carl Anderson with the nascent Dr. Evie Adams (1994).

Photo courtesy of Annie Adams.