A friendly shopping mall Santa helped Sarah Pasley to lull her baby boy back to sleep during a visit to the Boise Towne Square mall last year.

Now a picture of the moment is spreading online as thousands of moms with the holiday spirit obviously appreciate the help from Santa.

“My mother and I had braved the mall (on a Saturday in December of all days) in hopes of capturing a picture of my 8 month old son, Kiptyn <<meeting>> Santa,” Sarah Pasley wrote on the Facebook post.

“We stood in line for over 30 minutes waiting for our turn. Of course, 5 mins before our turn to meet Santa, Kiptyn fell asleep!! Part of me thought we should just get out of line & avoid wasting anyone else’s time that busy Saturday, but as we went to leave Santa gestured us over.

“I handed Kiptyn to my Mom & grabbed my camera. I was escorted outside of the fenced area in order to snap my own shots. What happened next will be one of my all time favorite memories of Christmas.

“Santa grabbed his book & slowly laid back into his oversized chair. He then silently motioned for my Mom to lay Kiptyn on his stomach. Kiptyn stirred for a moment and I thought he’d wake for sure.

“Santa hushed him & Kiptyn’s little arms fell into such a peaceful position. After we finished taking pictures we heard a round of applause from the crowd that had gathered around below & above in the rotunda.

“I can honestly say that I believe in Santa and the magic of the holiday season again.”

A friendly shopping mall Santa helped Sarah Pasley to lull her baby boy back to sleep during a visit to the Boise Towne Square mall last year

Luckily for the other mothers and fathers of Boise, the same Santa is back in the Towne Square Mall this season and new examples of his kindness.

“He is truly like that most of the time, he’s extremely caring and compassionate with the children and that is not uncommon for him to do. We’re very blessed to have him,” said the mall’s marketing manager Tina Kierce.