Holiday LIFE D WORDS BY KENT MILLER
D ' Anna Bates brings holiday magic to Greenville as
Santa ’ s better half
Nearly a decade ago , D ' Anna Bates stepped into a role that would soon become a cherished part of her life and the Greenville community . It all started when her boss , Terry Driggers , asked her to accompany him in the local parade as Mrs . Claus . At first , Bates hesitated , uncertain if this role was truly for her . But that hesitation vanished the moment she donned the iconic red dress and stepped out to greet the crowds .
“ The minute I dressed up as Mrs . Claus and saw the children ’ s faces light up as they ran to Santa and me , I became Mrs . Claus ,” she recalls with a smile . “ I absolutely loved it .”
What began as a festive favor quickly became a beloved tradition . For Bates , Mrs . Claus isn ’ t just a character she plays , it ’ s a part of her identity – especially during the holiday season . She reflects fondly on how the children ’ s joy fuels her desire to continue year after year .
“ The children keep me going . Being able to see the joy and excitement in their faces makes me so happy ,” Bates says . “ It ’ s a wonderful feeling knowing that a child smiled that day , despite what might be going on in their life .”
Her appearances as Mrs . Claus go far beyond the typical parade . Bates has made special appearances at birthday parties , Christmas parties and even summer events like the Fourth of July Park Street parade . From hospital visits to portraits with Santa , home visits to Greenville Parks and Recreation ’ s Christmas light events , Mrs . Claus is a familiar face wherever holiday cheer is needed . For Bates , bringing happiness to children is deeply personal .
“ Sometimes , some of the kids are still trying to figure out Santa ,” she says with a chuckle . “ They come to me – maybe because I remind them of their grandma or maybe it ’ s because I smell like cookies .”
Her warmth and genuine love for the role make her the perfect Mrs . Claus and the children can ’ t seem to get enough of her .
Outside of her role as Mrs . Claus , Bates is a well-known figure in Greenville ’ s community . A successful business owner , she runs Greenville Floral & Gifts – a local shop where she continues her lifelong mission of bringing joy to people .
“ I worked in a flower shop when I
GREENVILLE LIFE 6 HOLIDAY 2024