Darline Ruby Thompson Ray

“Mrs. Little Darlin Claus“
Chipley, Florida
1953 – 2021

International Santa Claus Hall of Fame – December 2024

Darline was born and raised in Houston, Texas, where she learned to create and sew beautiful garments from her mother. It is also where she met and married her husband, Rex, in 1973.

Darline formerly started her business, Little Darlin’s Creations, in 2000. Initially creating high end baptismal and christening outfits that were hand smocked and embroidered along with pageant wear and pageant sashes, she started making Santa Suits for her husband and then Mrs. Claus and Elf outfits as demand for her work grew.

She started portraying Mrs. Claus in 2008 and quickly found a great demand to appear in parades, libraries, day cares and schools. Her proudest moment came when she received the first contract from a national agency to appear as Mrs. Claus for a national store chain, at the same rate as her male counterparts.

She made annual appearances on local TV, and was even seen on CBS Sunday Morning as part of Discover Santa 2016. She was seen at many gatherings and conventions of the Claus community, as a vendor offering her tailor made outfits and custom embroidery. Her creations have appeared around the world, as well from coast to coast in the USA.