University News

WIU Alumni Couple Brings Holiday Cheer as Mr. and Mrs. Claus

December 2, 2024

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MACOMB, IL - - For most people, the holiday season brings memories of festive lights, heartwarming music and the excitement of Santa Claus visits. But for one Western Illinois University alumni couple, the holidays are much more than a season — it's a full-time, joyful calling. Meet the dynamic duo of the North Pole: Adam and Krista Woodworth, class of 1993, proud to be Mr. and Mrs. Claus. Their journey from wide-eyed college students to spreading Christmas magic is a story full of love, surprises and, of course, a touch of WIU pride.

The couple's WIU journey began in Thompson Hall, where Adam reminisces about his first days on campus:

"I remember being that wide-eyed freshman moving into Thompson Hall, leaving home for the first time being more excited than scared, but make no mistake, I was both. Seeing Bryan Cox play college football before going off to the Miami Dolphins was a great memory. I happened to be a huge Miami Dolphins fan (and still am). The fondest memory though, was meeting Krista Koning junior year when I moved to Higgins Hall. We didn't start dating until senior year but if not for WIU, I would not have met my Mrs. Claus," Adam said.

Little did they know back then that their paths would intertwine, leading them to become life partners and holiday icons in their community.

WIU wasn't just the place where love blossomed; it also provided the foundation for their future careers.

Initially pursuing computer programming, Adam discovered his passion for Human Resource Management and Marketing thanks to a pivotal class.

"When I came to WIU, I started with the idea that I wanted a career in computer programming. But during my first two years of taking required core classes, I took an Intro to Business class and it was that class that changed my career trajectory. I became enamored with Human Resource Management and Marketing. It seems crazy, but my first HR course with Professor Jim Brakefield sold me on Human Resource Management," Adam said.

That career shift launched Adam into roles with the Boy Scouts of America, radio and the American Heart Association, before settling in as Executive Director of the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn for 18 years. Eventually, the idea of becoming Santa Claus began to take shape, forming what is now the North Pole Santa, LLC.

Their journey into becoming Santa and Mrs. Claus began with a costume and a suggestion that sparked a new tradition.

"I grew out the facial hair to get a little scruff, bought a lightsaber and some Jedi robes and went as old Obi-Wan Kenobi, for a Star Wars-themed fundraiser. Afterwards, when we got home, I was going to shave it off and Krista said, ‘Why don't you let it grow? You might look like Santa.'"

That lighthearted suggestion led Adam to fully embrace the role of Santa. He joined professional Santa organizations, purchased a high-quality suit and started booking gigs. As for Mrs. Claus, Krista joined in full force after some nudging and took on her role just in time for a major Chicago event.

"I'd been hired to be the Santa of the Magnificent Mile Festival of Lights in Chicago in 2022 and in 2023, they needed a Mrs. Claus. That was the nudge she needed to get rolling with it," Adam said.

In their roles, the couple has had some unique adventures, from visiting reindeer farms to donning summer Santa attire for a Glen Ellyn Park district event. But one of Adam's most cherished events is the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, a holiday tradition that never fails to inspire awe.

"The Chicago Magnificent Mile Lights Festival is pretty amazing. I'll be in my third year this year of being Santa for the parade. It was such a humbling experience to get to do it once, let alone a third time. When the sleigh (float) turns onto Michigan Avenue and you see all of those people, it's just so humbling knowing that I'm representing something positive to all of these families," Adam said.

Beyond the lights and glamour, the couple also gives back to their community, donating their time to the Christmas Without Cancer 5K Run/Walk and visiting children battling cancer. This is one of Krista's, Mrs. Claus's, most cherished events, meeting these brave families who are dealing with some pretty big and real issues.

Being Santa and Mrs. Claus is more than just wearing red suits — it's about bringing joy to families and their encounters have created some unforgettable memories. One story that stands out to them happened at a library event.

"As I was a library trustee and they couldn't pay me, I volunteered my time to be Santa for an evening event at the Lockport Library. A couple and their very young daughter came in to visit with Santa. The parents dreamed of getting that perfect photograph with Santa, the one with the smiling, happy child, Lorelei was shy and while her parents did get a photo, they were also included in the photo so they could keep her still long enough to be in the picture."

Through patience and playful interaction, Adam connected with Lorelei in a way that left a lasting impact on both her and her parents. That magical moment was just the beginning of his realization of the profound influence Santa Claus could have on children and families.

"Angelica told me that her daughter didn't talk much, but after seeing me and heading home, Lorelei had said her first complete sentence. To this day, I won't take a dime from this family, as I am getting more out of our time together than they are," Adam said. "I have a few families like that."

The couple's WIU connection continues to influence their lives, including their Santa endeavors. This year, they are bringing Santa and Mrs. Claus to WIU alumni events in the Chicagoland area making stops in Northbrook, Tinley Park, Barrington, Oak Brook, Plainfield and downtown Chicago and spreading holiday cheer with their fellow Leathernecks. For more information on the Leathernecks Take Over Chicago, visit wiu.edu/alumni.

For the couple, portraying Mr. and Mrs. Claus is more than just a side business — it's a way to bring joy, create lasting memories and embody the holiday spirit year-round. Their story shows how a chance meeting at WIU, a shared passion for community and a bit of holiday magic can combine to create something truly special.

Adam recently wrote a children's book "Twilight: A Reindeer Story," available anywhere books can be purchased. To purchase the book, visit northpolesantallc.com/twilight.

As they say, "Without WIU, there wouldn't be a Mr. and Mrs. Claus."

Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing