WILDWOOD – The spirits of Santa Claus and his wife, Mrs. Claus (first name unknown), come to life through Alan Fox and Patricia Wiggins, two best friends who have dressed up as the Clauses for children’s parties, surprise pub visits and other events for nearly a decade.
“It is magical to see what Santa can do for people,” Fox said as a Lions Center visitor paused the Herald interview to snap a photo with the couple. The Lions Center is a sizable senior apartment building in Wildwood, where both Fox and Wiggins reside.
Wiggins and Fox have lived in Cape May County most of their lives. Wiggins was transferred decades ago to North Cape May from Houston by a property management company to oversee the Channels Apartment, which went by a different name at the time. But most of her career was spent with NJ Transit, where she was a bus driver in Egg Harbor Township for nearly two decades.
Fox served in the West Wildwood Police Department from 1986 to 2008. He was forced to retire from his position as police chief because of a brain tumor that “crushed the nerves” in his right eye, rendering him legally blind. He underwent several surgeries to stop the progression of his vision loss.
“I must be able to see alright because I managed to decorate the lobby with Christmas decorations this year,” he said, gesturing to the wreaths and Christmas lights around him.
Wiggins and Fox met by happenstance. Fox moved into the Lions Center next door to Wiggins, and they have been by each other’s side since the first week they met. “Whatever I do, I always include him. He is always game for a fun time,” Wiggins said.
Their stint as the North Pole’s merriest couple began on a whim. Wiggins said, “One day the Lions Center was hosting a Christmas party downstairs, and Alan asked me, what if I dressed as Santa Claus?” Fox’s performance was an instant hit.
“The more people kept drinking, the more they wanted to sit in Santa’s lap!” Wiggins said with a laugh.
Just before the Covid pandemic began, children from the Glenwood Avenue Elementary School came to visit the Clauses at the Lions Center. One girl shyly asked Mrs. Claus if she might help bring her father back from military service.
“I had to stand up to compose myself – it was so difficult,” Wiggins said, holding back tears. But Fox, with his quick wit and gentle nature, told the girl that he would pass the message along. Wiggins guessed that the girl just wanted someone to hear her plight.
Children love the Clauses, but their most receptive crowd was at the Firehouse Tavern, a popular locals’ spot in Wildwood. Fox said that the tipsy crowd, overjoyed by the presence of the bearded fellow and his wife, cheered and sang merry tunes for hours.
“The crowd had the joy of children,” Fox said.
Fox and Wiggins hope that they can bring the Clauses to life at charities, VFWs, schools, daycare centers and events across Cape May County. “We do it for free. Honestly, I feel selfish because it brings me so much joy,” Fox said.
They ask that any group that would like to receive a visit from the Clauses reach out to Fox by phone at 609-780-2845.
Contact the author, Collin Hall, at chall@cmcherald.com or 609-886-8600, ext. 156.
