Midlothian, Virginia
1951 – Current

International Santa Claus Hall of Fame – December 2018

“Almost every little girl dream is being a princess or a queen at one time or another,” begins Donna Deekens’ book, “Christmas at Miller & Rhoads: Memoirs of a Snow Queen.” Her dream came true in 1971 when, as a college student, she was hired by Miller & Rhoads department store in Richmond to play Santa’s best helper, the Snow Queen.

Donning a beautiful, flowing white gown and a sparkling tiara, Deekens drew inspiration from her childhood memories of visiting the “real” Santa at Miller & Rhoads. She’d spend 20 Christmases playing the Snow Queen.

She officially hung up her tiara in 1991, after Miller & Rhoads department store closed, but she continues to reprise her role as Snow Queen a few times a year while hosting children’s tea parties through her business, Teapots, Treats and Traditions. Deekens’ has written numerous books about the history of the “real” Santa at Miller & Rhoads.