As children across the United States have made the annual pilgrimage to meet Santa Claus in their local malls, every so often he has made a special effort or gesture that no one could have expected.

Parents have been sharing these Santa moments on social media, where a handful have attracted national attention. Here are a few of our favorites.

A Grandfather Plays the Role

In West Virginia, 2-year-old Sophie Jo Riley approached a man in a Walmart who she believed was Santa Claus, perhaps because of his white beard and red shirt. Playing the part, he stopped his shopping cart, got down on a knee and discussed everything from her “real pretty nails” to the diet of his reindeer.