Twenty years of magic, laughter and fairy lights! Mrs Claus has become part of Johannesburg’s festive heartbeat, even in the face of heartbreak.
Johannesburg, South Africa (30 September 2025) – In Johannesburg’s leafy suburb of Bryanston lies Moray Drive, a quiet street that every December comes alive, sparkling under fairy lights, resonating with carols and festive joy.
And at the heart of this transformation is Danielle Goff, or Mrs Claus as she is better known, a woman who, for two decades, has turned her home into a living Christmas spectacle, drawing visitors from across the city to share in her vision of magic, hope and community. Originally from Cape Town, Danielle says Christmas has always held a place of wonder in her life: the clothes, the gifts, the streets filled with lights.
But it was only after she moved to Joburg and settled in Bryanston that she discovered her deepest calling. What started as a modest display has grown into something far greater than decoration… it is a story of unity, compassion and festive spirit.
Every year she chooses a theme, plans for months in advance, and throws herself into the labour of love from dawn until dusk. Her home becomes a mixture of nativity scenes, Grinch figures, sleighs and whimsical details, not just for night-time viewers, but also for children in daylight, to make sure no one misses a moment of delight. She even takes the time to read every letter dropped into her many “Santa” boxes, each message carrying dreams, worries, or hopes from kids and families.
“If you can make one person smile, then that is all I need,” she told Good Things Guy.
Over the years, Moray Drive’s display has grown so vast that her husband converted the garage attic into a storeroom just to house the collection. What began as a personal passion has blossomed into a community affair, carol evenings, charity fundraisers, vintage car light parades, all drawn into the orbit of Mrs Claus’s vision. After nearly twenty years, she has become synonymous with festive joy in Joburg.
But the years have also brought challenges that could have broken her spirit. Vandals have repeatedly targeted her displays, sometimes as often as every week. What should have been days of joy turned into hours of fixing broken pieces, tears of frustration and the weight of asking whether it was all worth it.
And yet, Mrs Claus chose forgiveness.
“I had a letter to Santa that I read written by a six-year-old,” she told us.
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“Simple words but yet so meaningful; no war, be kind, be gentle and forgive. I gave an interview and reiterated these words. I have to practice what I preach no matter how painful the moment is. It takes an entire day to do repairs, and I am already so busy and so behind. But I feel good about my decision because I don’t know if I will need to ask someone for forgiveness in the future. It is a powerful human character; we need to be so mindful of our actions and live with extreme humility.”
This year’s theme feels perfectly matched: Grinch and Whoville.
“It is so befitting,” she said. “I think we can relate to the story; his heart just grew bigger. I sit on my patio in December and listen to the children’s excitement when they see my huge Grinch mannequin. Not the same excitement for Santa, maybe Santa must start bringing the correct gifts on the list!”
Despite the pain, kindness has never been far away.
“My neighbours are so encouraging, and the support is fabulous. I am so incredibly lucky to have neighbours who give me carte blanche on their verges. For me it’s not just the Christmas decorations, I want all the visitors and tourists to feel the love and pride we have as a community.”
And she is already looking forward to the next chapter.
“In 2026, when Mrs Claus turns 21 and RideJHB celebrates 30 years, I have amazing ideas. That year is also my 50th birthday, my husband’s 60th, and our pearl wedding anniversary. How many people get to have two birthdays in one year, 50th and 21st? For this milestone, I will take Moray Drive globally!”
Her story of resilience is rooted in personal history too. As a child she endured severe bullying and health challenges.
“At the age of five, just before I started school, I had to have my eye removed as a tumour was growing. Some children were extremely mean. That gave me so much strength to understand and appreciate all humans and love people for who they are. Compassion is probably the most important part of one’s character.”
That compassion now pours into everything she does. From her cancer tribute tree (sadly also vandalised) to inviting strangers to join the car carnival, Mrs Claus has always believed joy must be shared.
“Even the vandals are invited to party with us,” she said. “Life is too short and too precious to be holding grudges. Every day is a gift.”
Her role as Mrs Claus has never been about lights alone. It’s about lifting spirits, even for a moment.
“I have people who will tell me, ‘Wow, I was having the most awful day and then I found Moray Drive, and you uplifted my spirits.’ That is what keeps me going.”
And so, with only 12 Fridays until Christmas, Mrs Claus is ready once again to open her heart, her home and her street to Joburg. Her story this year is not only about decorations but about resilience, compassion, forgiveness and the unwavering belief that kindness can outshine cruelty.
Because in the end, the magic of Christmas isn’t in the lights… it’s in the love we share, the hope we hold, and the joy we give to others. And for 20 years, Mrs Claus has reminded us of exactly that.
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