The Man Behind the Beard
When I began my career as a Santa Claus representative, easily accessible resources were scarce. I was unable to find a site that had tutorials, written instruction, and mentorship all wrapped up into one package, especially on subjects and topics I needed immediate answers about. It wasn't until my third season that I was officially invited into the Christmas performer community and found some limited online instruction.
With my experience as a film student and a few seasons under my belt, I began making videos on YouTube documenting my journey, helpful resources, and my take on Santa Claus. These videos were part of a small video series entitled "Secrets of Being Santa." The following year, "The Jr. Claus Workshop" (now "the Santa Claus Workshop") was officially underway and dozens of more episodes were produced and occasionally featured other Santa Claus representatives.
The whole purpose of the Workshop is to provide a place of instruction for those just starting out who may not have the budget or time to take off from work and attend a Santa School in person. The instruction contained on the website is practical, accessible around the globe, features the latest instruction on virtual experiences, and is driven by a passion to improve the image of Santa Claus worldwide.
It is my hope that this platform will help provide enough basic Santa Claus education to raise awareness in performers to increase their skill and craft when portraying and representing the most cherished figure in holiday history.
- Stuart Deacon Jr., aka Santa Stuart
Biography
Born in the UK, Stuart Deacon Jr. loved dressing up in his red shirt, snow boots, and Santa hat to imitate the visitor he saw each Christmas. His family moved to Idaho, USA where for the next 15 years he would fall in love with the brisk wind and cold weather. After spending two years as a religious volunteer in the Fresno, California valley, Stuart returned to his "home state" where he attended Brigham Young University - Idaho.
Stuart commenced his journey as a professional Santa Claus the following June. With much research and effort, Stuart dawned the red coat to serve Rexburg and the surrounding areas under the name “the Rexburg Santa Claus.” Not long after that, Stuart built a massive custom sleigh he hauled around on a trailer to different events and home visits. As a film student, Stuart began to produce photos and videos of his Santa Claus journey for different class assignments. He documented his progress of sewing his own Santa suits and mistakes and successes when styling his traditional hair pieces. Reporting and creating media for his classes challenged Stuart to grow the brand of “the Jr. Claus Workshop” online and reach a much broader audience than before.
With graduation in 2020, Stuart created this website as his senior project. After long days at school and work, Stuart made time to write episodes and film them during the quiet evenings and weekends. When the site went live in May of 2020, there was over 3 hours of content in topical episodes with helpful information for beginner Santa Clauses. Now, there are many more videos, blog posts, and other resources curated specifically to help Santa's helpers around the world.
Stuart has resided in the Houston, Texas area since July of 2020. Beyond videos and blogs, Stuart is proud to contribute to the Christmas performer community with his original designed Santa hats and custom buckles. He currently works as a photographer/filmmaker/video editor for a creative ad agency, and is a proud member of Lone Star Santas.
Speaker & Presenter
Stuart has taught at ProSantaSchool: Advanced Studies in 2021, lectured at the 2022 School of Santas via video, and presented at the Lone Star Santa's Roundup 2026.
He has been a vendor at Lone Star Santas Roundup in 2021, 2022, 2025, & 2026, taken part in the Michigan Santa Expo in 2025.
Stuart will be attending the C.W. Howard Santa School as a student in 2026, and will be presenting a few classes at the 2027 Santa Family Reunion.