Judging how red-suited guys deliver thoser ho-ho-ho's THE SANTA SCALE

Some have years of experience under their big, wide belts. Others are just learning how to "ho, ho, ho." But there's no shortage of Santas as Christmas approaches. Just about every Baltimore-area mall features a Kris Kringle to take toy orders and hand out treats to the kids. There are white Santas, black Santas, even a Santa who speaks with an Italian accent. How's a parent to choose? To help, we've rated a sampling of St. Nicks on a one-to-four scale scale of one to four sleighs for their Santa-like appearance, jolly demeanor and kid appeal. One word of caution: Some malls employ more than one Santa. If there's a particular Santa that catches your fancy, call to make sure he will be there.

Columbia Mall

George Hipple is 71 and sports a wonderful, real flowing beard. This Santa has been around for nine years, but you wouldn't know it by the joyous way he still welcomes each and every child. One complaint: He's dropped weight over the years and could use a little more padding.***

Santa is that you? Is that really, really you? Joseph Frank, in his third year of Santa duty, looks like he just stepped out of "Miracle on 34th Street." This 63-year-old retiree has it all: real hair and beard, perfect-sized paunch, warmth and bubbly enthusiasm that just won't quit. On top of all that, his merry, twinkling blue eyes will melt the heart of a Scrooge -- or critic.****

We actually felt a little sad for this guy. While other Santas were bustling with business one recent morning, this one looked rather lonely perched in the big, red chair. Earl Cole, 32, seems nice enough and looks pleasant even with the fake beard, but we didn't get a chance to see him in action. So if you want to avoid long lines, stop by and give old Earl a look-see. **

Harborplace

Children who live everywhere from East Baltimore to Iceland have sat on Ed Bastress' lap. The 56-year-old gets into the spirit by letting loose a few "ho, ho, ho's" when he isn't busy. His hair is real and he doesn't need any padding to fill out the costume. Santa's little house is set up at the Inner Harbor and there wasn't a line one recent afternoon. We did not see him with kids but this is one place to come if you don't do malls.** 1/2

If you like your Santas round (and we mean really round) Tony Benedetta, 54, is the St. Nick to see. His all-real rotund belly is a stand-out among Santas. At first we wondered if there was room on his lap for children, but he manages the balancing act quite nicely. He's a good-looking Santa with eight years of practice. ***

Luke Durant is another hugger who has it down to an art. This 46-year-old African-American has been pulling Santa duty for 10 years and still gets a kick out of it. He likes to make the shy little ones, who aren't too sure what to make of this strangely garbed man, feel at ease. He does it by making eye contact, smiling, then opening his arms wide. Kids rush right up to give him a hug. *** 1/2

Jack Marsh, 67, also knows the importance of making young ones feel comfortable. (They must go over this at Santa school.) If the kid is too scared to come to Santa, he takes the initiative by leaving his big chair and walking up to the child, bending down to his level for a kind hello. It's a nice touch. Kids can also yank on this Santa's beard -- it will not come off. ***

Security Square Mall

Santa with a pronounced Italian accent? Hey, don't knock it. Renato D'Angelo tells kids it's an "Eskimo accent." He's got the Santa looks; real everything from hair to substantial belly. He's 65 and has been in the Santa business for three years. He loves to chat and takes time to tell children to keep the holiday spirit going on all year long by doing kind deeds. That Old World charm just shines through.*** 1/2

Towson Town Center

Jim Ball, 72, a retired teacher, has been around a kid or two. He's in his fourth season as a Santa and loves the job. His laughter is genuine although the beard is not. Expect to hear his loud "ho, ho, ho's" bouncing off the mall walls when you're shopping there. There's a bit of a stage actor inside this Santa, which is not a bad trait to have. ***

White Marsh Mall

This being the holiday season, we will phrase this gently: It looks like the thrill is gone for Santa Roy Given who's had the gig for eight years. Or maybe the 72-year-old just had a tiring evening the night before we were there. At any rate, enthusiasm was not evident one recent morning. He does gets credit for the real hair and beard but points off for doffing the big red jacket. The blue plaid shirt Santa wears underneath the jacket just doesn't cut it. Sorry. We know it gets hot but that goes with the territory. **