If you happen to hail the Polar Express this Christmas season, it may lead you to the North Pole. But don’t be surprised if there’s a layover at the Mexico home of Michael and Dene Myers. The Myers’ home is not only their abode, but the base for Dene Myers Designs, Dene’s interior design company. The company spends much of the holiday season decorating homes for Christmas, not only in Mexico, but in Springfield and Kansas City. Inside, there are Christmas trees and seasonal sights, and then, there are the life-like Santa Clauses congregating about the mantle.

These are the Myers’ creations and have been a holiday tradition since 1989, after Dene made her first hand-crafted Santa Claus, having been inspired by Santas she saw while on a girls trip to Indiana. Early Santas were typically about 20 inches tall and bodies were constructed from wood with wire arms and legs.

“I wish I still had those original Santas,” Dene said, “but I had a collector in Kansas City that talked me out of them.”

Her brother lended a hand in the beginning. The owner of an architectural molding company, he made molds for the faces, hands and boots. Santas became more lifelike after a return trip to Indiana where Dene learned how to sculpt faces and build life-sized forms.

“That’s about the time I met my husband, Michael,” she remembers. “When he looked at my sculpted face, he asked me if he could try it. I never sculpted another one.”

And so the Santa-making partnership was born. Michael not only sculpts the faces, he constructs the bodies out of PVC pipe, something that enhances each figure’s stability, and gives a sense of motion.

“He is much more of an artist than I am,” Dene says.

When he’s not making Santas, Michael works for Arch Enterprises, Mexico, as the company’s human resources director.

Part of the challenge is the ongoing search for interesting props - like wagons, sleighs and other antique items - that can be incorporated with Santas. Vintage fabrics - including antique velvet curtains and quilts - have been used for clothing. It’s also part of the fun.

“I think my favorite thing is taking a family heirloom, especially quilts, and making it into a coat,” Dene says. “ Also, grandma’s, aunt’s, or family furs are awesome to work with; some have their monograms stitched on the lining so we incorporate that into Santa’s new coat. It’s also fun to use family broaches, buttons and any memorabilia that has meaning to the new owner.”

The last few years, a seamstress has made the clothes. That changed in 2020.

“This year, having a bit more time on my hands, I designed and fabricated the clothing,” Dene says. “Each one is a different size, so patterns have to be made. I have thoroughly enjoyed it and hope that I can continue doing it - it makes it really hard to part with them, though.”

Santa can truly begin to feel like part of the family as hours are spent on each piece. And those that remain in the Myers’ home provide comfort to their hosts and a holiday greeting to visitors.

“I have two personal favorites: one waving from our mantle and a white fur-coated Santa. I discovered the fur at a Colorado estate sale with my brother and mother. The bag is full of memorabilia from my grandmother, who was a great inspiration in my life.”

Most Santas find a new home and the seven Santas created this year represent an estimated 280 hours of work. Every one of them sold, and sold quickly.

“I don’t think any of them lasted over 24 hours,” Dene said.

Word-of-mouth and Facebook - which features Michael’s photography - are credited for the brisk sales.

Growing up on the family farm in Laddonia, Dene attended Community R-VI High School. She would later graduate from the University of Central Missouri, Warrensburg, where she majored in home economics - textiles and clothing, with a minor in marketing. Following graduation, she moved to Tulsa, Okla., where she studied interior design. In Tulsa, Dene also got a job with a carpet and tile company.

“They were excellent mentors,” said Dene, “and I learned the basics of running a business.”

She also started a part-time woodworking business.

“That was back in the day of country ducks, rabbits and hearts, with lots of slate-blue paint” she remembers.

In 1994, Dene Myers Designs was born in Kansas City. Dene continued her woodworking, florals - and Santas - as the business got off the ground. Dene and Michael bought a home in Mexico and moved back to Audrain County in 2001. The home, located at 724 South Jefferson, has undergone extensive renovation and today stands as a true showplace. The company has flourished, and today includes new construction and remodeling. She approaches each design project with a keen ear to the respective customer’s needs, and stresses they take their time until they find what they love. She often weaves antiques into designs.

“I always say I am not a trendy designer,” Dene said. “I say it’s an investment and should last at least 15 years.”

“Investment” could be a term equally applied to the Santas. Each Santa is truly unique, with acute attention to every detail. To create one 3-foot-tall Santa, it takes between 25 to 40 hours. Beards are made from lamb’s wool ordered from a Pennsylvania farm, with each strand glued on separately.

“Eighty percent of the wool is rejected,” Michael explains. “We’re looking for the right curl.”

Santas typically sell in the $599- to $1,299-price range. Pieces include a personalized tag and they are named, numbered and dated. Some pieces are signed on the base as well.

“We have had wonderful customers and followers - and many mentors - over the years,” says Dene. “When I get a call or picture from someone that purchased them years ago, it’s a wonderful feeling. They are truly keepsakes.”

“It’s an art - we don’t rush it,” said Michael.

Dene and Michael will now take a well-earned rest from Santa Claus-creation, reconstituting their efforts in March when they begin work on faces, beards and bodies. Work continues throughout the year - in the evenings - as time allows.