WIU Alumni Couple Brings Holiday Cheer as Mr. and Mrs. Claus
By: University of Western Illinois Communications
For most people, the holiday season brings festive lights, music, and visits with Santa. But it's a year-round calling for WIU alumni Adam and Krista Woodworth. This couple, both from the class of 1993, proudly embody Mr. and Mrs. Claus.
Their WIU story began in Thompson Hall, where Adam fondly recalls moving in as a freshman and eventually meeting Krista during his junior year. They didn't start dating until their senior year, but Adam reflects, "If not for WIU, I would not have met my Mrs. Claus."
Adam started college with plans for a career in computer programming. He shifted his path toward Human Resource Management and Marketing. This change led him through roles in the Boy Scouts, radio, and nonprofit work before he became Executive Director of the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn, where the idea of becoming Santa Claus took root.
The journey into their Claus roles began unexpectedly when Adam grew a beard for a Star Wars costume, and Krista suggested letting it grow longer to look like Santa. Adam embraced the idea, purchasing a professional Santa suit and joining professional organizations. He was asked to be Santa for Chicago's Magnificent Mile Lights Festival in 2022, and the following year, Krista joined him as Mrs. Claus. This year will have been their third year representing the jolly red couple. "When the sleigh (float) turns onto Michigan Avenue, and you see all of those people, it's humbling knowing that I'm representing something positive to all these families," Adam said.
The couple also gives back to their community, participating in events like Christmas Without Cancer and visits with children battling serious illnesses. These moments are particularly meaningful to Krista as they connect with families facing profound challenges.
Adam recalls a touching memory from a library event where a young girl, Lorelei, said her first full sentence after meeting him as Santa. "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.
For Adam and Krista, portraying Mr. and Mrs. Claus is about creating joy, fostering connections, and keeping the holiday magic alive all year. Like they say: without WIU, we wouldn't have a Mr. and Mrs. Claus!