Mrs. Claus, Della Carillo and Santa, David Nygren. Carillo, took on the role of the Christmas legend for about 30 years before her passing in July.
For the first time in nearly two generations, children visiting Cayucos’ Downtown Santa’s House will see a new face in the festive garb of Mrs. Santa Claus.
Della Carillo played the part of Mrs. Claus for some 30 years missing very few seasons, but she’ll only be here in spirit now, after she died in July following a short illness.
“It is with a heavy heart,” reads a Facebook post from Aug. 18, “that our little beachside town says good-bye to Della Carrillo, whose warmth and generous spirit went far beyond her years of service as a Cayucos Lioness and Senior Center volunteer.
“For decades she brought joy in dual roles as the town’s Mrs. Claus and the Easter Bunny at our annual festivities.”
Carrillo didn’t just play the part, she lived it.
“Della made her own authentic costumes, spent extra time with children she sensed needed to linger, and ensured, along with Santa, that little ones received toys at the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Santa’s House visits.”
Her role endured through changes in her partner at Christmas. “Della partnered with five Santa Claus’ in the 30-years she played Mrs. Claus; some years just for fun wandering the downtown and beach in costume, arm-in-arm with her Santa to the delight of surprised fans seeking hugs and holiday selfies.”
Carrillo’s Mrs. Santa Claus character delighted countless children over the many years she played the part, according to Cayucos’ resident photographer and biggest cheerleader, Danna Dykstra-Coy, who said Carrillo was there when her children were little and even in the early years of her six grandchildren that live locally.
“She designed her own dresses,” Dykstra-Coy told Estero Bay News, “had a collection of jewelry over the years and recently added red boots. She insisted on giving each child a toy in the little green Santa House on “D” and Ocean, and Santa and Mrs. Claus traditionally ride the fire engine to the Tree Lighting to kick off the holiday season in Cayucos; then children line up outside the house and sit on their laps and tell them what they’d like for Christmas.”
As anyone who’s ever had the joy of playing Santa or Mrs. Claus can probably attest, it’s one sure, guaranteed way to awaken the Christmas spirit in yourself, as nothing melts the heart of even the grumpiest Grinch like a 3-year-old, eyes full of wonder, climbing up onto your lap and rattling off all the things they want for Christmas; with the natural question, “Have you been a good boy?”
In a 2018 interview with The Tribune, which you can watch on YouTube (see: www.youtube.com/watch?v=iE3NqaqI7GE), Carrillo said, “All they want is to talk to Santa; then they come to me, and they like to rub the fur, and just lean against me. It’s just like they need to be loved. And they love it.”
About the only thing that might work even better is to read “Letters to Santa” from across the country, and addressed simply “To Santa, The North Pole.”
When it was apparent that she would not be here this Christmas, Carrillo reportedly reached out to someone who had once filled in for her in the past. Dykstra-Coy said Carrillo asked Tiffany Silva of Cayucos to take over the role and keep the spirit of Christmas alive in the Town that Time Forgot.
Silva is scheduled to ride the fire engine with Santa (David Nygren) for Cayucos’ Tree Lighting Ceremony set for 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at Ocean Avenue and D Street. Other activities include carolers from Cayucos Community Church; the lighting of the tree; and, of course, a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, who will be at Santa’s House for pictures and to greet all the little ones.
Also, the Annual Wonderland Walk event is set for 4-7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 in Downtown Cayucos. Stroll along Ocean Avenue visiting the open businesses for free refreshments.
Highlights Include holiday shopping with special deals from local merchants; free horse-drawn carriage rides; a Kids’ Craft Workshop for some hands-on holiday creativity that kids can take home; and a chance to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus who will be at Santa’s House. There will also be a snowy play area and complimentary refreshments courtesy of the Cayucos Lioness Club. You might even catch a glimpse of another Christmas icon, the Grinch himself.
You won’t want to miss this festive evening to celebrate the season. So, bundle up, bring your holiday cheer and don’t forget to stop in at Santa’s House and wish Santa and especially Mrs. Claus a very Merry Christmas.
