Interview with Ann Dezendorf – Celebrating 40 Years of Possible Dreams Santas
This year, Possible Dreams celebrates an incredible milestone—40 years of Santa stories told through the artistry of Clothtique™. Since 1985, collectors like you have welcomed these hand-crafted, hand-painted Santas into your homes, each one capturing a joyful moment, a cherished tradition, or a bit of holiday magic. To honor this anniversary, we sat down with the Possible Dreams designer, Ann Dezendorf, to talk about her journey, the magic behind the line, and what makes these Santas such beloved keepsakes for collectors around the world.
Q: 2025 marks the 40th Anniversary of Possible Dreams Santas. Can you share a bit about this milestone?
Ann: Yes, this year is a very special one for Possible Dreams as we celebrate 40 years of bringing Santa to life in Clothtique™. The line has always highlighted Santa in his many roles during the Christmas season, but Mrs. Claus has also played an important part behind the scenes. Over the years, we’ve introduced other beloved holiday favorites—Dickens Carolers, snowmen, angels, tree toppers, and ornaments—all crafted with our signature Clothtique™ stiffened fabric and mixed media accents. This year’s anniversary sleigh is truly a tribute to the journey we’ve shared with collectors.
Q: How long have you been designing the pieces?
Ann: I began designing Possible Dreams collectible figurines in late 2003. At that time, there were several artists contributing designs, and I managed their work as well as major licenses, while also creating my own pieces inspired by my childhood Christmas memories. Something I’ve always been proud of is that from the very beginning, Possible Dreams has always been designed in the USA.
Q: Possible Dreams Santa Claus ornaments are all 6” tall—why is that?
Ann: Each ornament is truly handmade. After the sculpting process, they are cast in resin and then dressed in their iconic Clothtique™ red suits, which are hand-sewn. For the tailoring to be done properly and for the details to shine, the ornaments need to be at least 6” tall. That scale allows us to give every Santa ornament the same craftsmanship and character as the full-sized figurines.
Q: There are so many themes within the brand. Which are the largest?
Ann: Traditional Santas are always at the heart of what we do. That classic inspiration guides much of the line. Another important theme is our licensed Santas—we’re always expanding with new and timeless licenses that delight our collectors and connect to the traditions they hold dear.
Q: Are there themes that surprise or delight people when they discover them?
Ann: Absolutely. When I explain to people that every Santa figurine is like a personalized gift—that there’s truly a Santa for every lifestyle, hobby, activity, or travel adventure—they begin to see how unique the line really is. That’s the joy of Possible Dreams: there’s always a Santa that feels like it was made just for you.
Q: What makes Possible Dreams different from other Santa figurines?
Ann: What sets Possible Dreams apart is the way each Santa is designed to evoke cherished Christmas memories while also delighting collectors with meaningful names and just the right touch of humor. Every piece is brought to life through unique sculpting, dynamic poses, and our signature Clothtique™ fabrics, which give each design its rich texture and timeless character. More than figurines, these Santas are storytelling keepsakes—treasures that capture the very heart of the holiday season.
Q: What should a new collector know about Possible Dreams?
Ann: I like to make sure every design is interesting from every angle—details matter all around the piece. And here’s something fun: every year, I add a small hidden mouse to one of the designs. For 2025, if you’d like a hint, look closely at My Favorite Bedtime Story (6016456). It’s a little secret collectors love to hunt for!
Q: Where can collectors go to learn more about the brand and your work?
Ann: You can always find the latest news about Possible Dreams on the Department 56 website, including dates and details for signing events I’ll be attending. It’s a wonderful way to connect with collectors and share the joy of Santa in person.
As we celebrate 40 years of Possible Dreams, we invite you to continue this journey with us—whether it’s discovering a new Santa that speaks to your traditions, joining us at a signing event, or simply sharing your own stories as a collector. Each piece is made with the hope that it brings a smile, sparks a memory, and becomes part of your holiday celebrations for years to come.