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Santa Fusion

December 12th, 2009

NBC New York reports that the global phenomenon that is Santacon is descending upon New York City, and other locations, today – Saturday December12th. 

Since anyone and everyone is welcome to join in the mayhem, NBC was kind enough to remind all potential Santaconners of the three basic rules of all Santacon events. The first and most important of which, and the only one I’m going to talk about,  . . .

Rule No. 1: Dressing up is mandatory. And that doesn’t mean phoning it in with a red hat. You need to go full Santa. Creativity is encouraged.

Of course it’s perfectly acceptable to arrive, dressed in classic Santa attire, but it’s so much more fun to add a sprinkle of creativity, a dash of uniqueness, and a big old heaping serving of weird to your look.

Santa Fusion is a good place to start. Fusion happens when we take one costume and mash it together with another, creating something really fun. Here are few Santa Fusion ideas to get your creative juices flowing.

santa-elvis

Santa Elvis –  Wear an Elvis wig, along with a Santa suit all tailored out ( keep those pants bottoms wide) and a sequined red cape.

disco-santa

Disco Santa – How about a nice white afro to start? Don’t know why that guy in the photo didn’t think of that. Then either wear red bell bottoms, and a red sequined disco shirt, with some white marabou fluff added or wear a Santa Suit unbuttoned to the navel with the Santa pants tailored to give you that flared disco look. Add some big flashy glasses, shiny necklaces, a Santa hat, and platform shoes and you’re good to go. Girls, if you are doing your own Disco Santa look, we’ve got a ton of great Santa costumes for you and some gloves that it would be a crime not to wear.

Click the photo to go see the video.

Click the photo to go see the video.

Stripper Santa – I got this idea watching Ellen. Wear the Santa pants and hat from the classic Santa suit. No shirt for you though. You are going bare-chested with only white bow tie and cuffs. Even Ellen’s Hunky Santa’s didn’t think of that!

gangster santa

Gangster Santa – Red pinstriped pants, Santa’s jacket, along with a tommy gun, classic Santa wig and beard, topped off with a red fedora with a white band

grinch-santa

Grinch Santa – Take that classic Santa suit, wear only the jacket, add some green tights, and red elf shoes. Then add some green face paint or buy the full-on Grinch mask. Some green gloves with long spindly fingers would be a nice touch as well.

Darth_Claus

Darth Claus – Jump into your handy-dandy Darth Vader costume, add one red cape, preferably something velour or befitting the North Pole. Add some fluff at the cuffs, a nice Santa beard, and maybe even candy cane striped light saber.

pirate_santa

Pirate Santa – Santa and Pirates fuse really well. For the simplest approach, start with a classic Santa suit, add pirate boots, stick a pirate sword in your belt, a great pirate hat, either Santa’s beard and wig or a black pirate wig and beard. Top it off with a hook or an eye patch.

candy cane mohawksantaclausmohawk

Punk Santa – If you’ve already got, or are willing to get a Mohawk, just bleach it white. Add some big black biker or combat boots and some spikes and studs around your neck and wrist to the classic Santa suit. Wearing the Santa beard is totally optional. The candy cane Mohawk is a whole other project that I wish you much luck on.

super santa in whiteSuperSanta

Super Santa – There are so many directions to go with this one. Just remember this: real superheroes wear tights and always wear their underwear on top. I’d go with red spandex tights and top, candy cane bottoms/underwear, a black Santa belt, a red or green cape, a Santa hat of almost any variety, and either black boots, Santa GoGo Boots or maybe I’d use the Wonder Woman boots to give it the total superhero feel.

Santacon events happen all over the place, all through the month of December. Keep your eyes open and get involved. Be creative and try a little Santa Fusion.

Santa Tracking

December 7th, 2009

 

December is here and NORAD is gearing up to track Santa as he makes his annual trip around the world. You can visit this bi-national military organization’s website and watch them track Santa . . . . or . . . . you can just keep your eyes open and I’ll bet you spot him all over the place this month. Santa is a busy guy this time of year, but not in the way you might think.

He’s not up at the North Pole all the time, you know. He’s got elves and Mrs. Claus to run the show so that he can enjoy the holidays just like you.

I spent my day yesterday volunteering at the Santa Barbara International Marathon and there he was. Santa in an inflatable suit that had seen better miles, came up over the horizon at mile 24. That made think of all the other places Santa might be hanging out this month.

Like at one of his other favorite organized runs. Can you pick out the real Santa in this group?

Skateboarding Santa

He’s been known to show his stuff at the local skate park.

snowboard santa

And he just tears it up on the slopes!

Surfing Santa

He likes to make stops where the weather is warm and the surf is up.

santacon

And one of Santa’s very favorite things to do is to hang with other Santas. Check out this year’s LA Santacon . Santas will invade LA on the 12th.

Create your own Santa Sighting. Grab yourself a Santa Suit and pick your activity and destination. Go solo, if you are brave, or recruit a Santa Squad. See if you show up on NORAD’s system. Make sure someone snaps your picture to make it an official Santa sighting.

What NOT to do in your Elf Costume

December 3rd, 2009

We all agree, dressing up is a fun thing to do during the holidays. A Santa costume is always great fun, as is a good elf or Santa’s helper costume. Whether a male or female these two types of costumes are a merry way to pump your holidays full of cheer and joy.

 

Unless your name is William C. Caldwell III of Georgia, that is! This 45 year old man somehow decided it was a good idea to head down to the local mall, dressed as an elf. Apparently he wasn’t trying to infiltrate the mall’s designated Santa operation. Not at all, even though he is only 5 feet tall and would probably make a fine looking elf for Santa.

Mr. Caldwell’s plans were much more sinister. He waited in line to have his picture taken Santa. That doesn’t sound so evil, does it. It would have been a pretty cool picture to. But, when it was his turn with Jolly St. Nick, William Caldwell proceeded to tell Santa that he had dynamite. Uh-oh!

William Caldwell - Bad ElfI’m pretty sure that when the real Santa is making his list and checking it twice, Mr. Caldwell will be put on the Naughty list. Guys who impersonate elves and get charged with having hoax devices, making terroristic threats, false imprisonment, simple assault, reckless conduct, disorderly conduct and false public alarm don’t earn themselves a spot on the Nice list – no matter how great his costume was.

Find Your Santa Hats, Everyone!

December 1st, 2009

I dug out my Santa hats and other such Christmassy apparel the day after Thanksgiving. I hope you did too. What? You don’t have a Santa Hat or any such Christmas headwear? You must be kidding! There are so many opportunities and events during the month between Thanksgiving and Christmas that just demand a good Santa hat or similar.

santa-hats

Wearing a Santa hat just makes the whole season seem more fun, more festive. Wearing one will make you smile, make others smile, and just add a bit of cheer and there. Here 10 great uses for a Santa hat or other holiday headwear.

  1. Santa Run – For the fit, crazy folks out there who love to pound the pavement year round, join a Santa Run or put together your own. Just call up a few other runners, who are just as crazy as you, plan a route (where plenty of people will see you), and go. Keep it kind of short, since running with a thick hat on may get you overheated.
  2. Santa Walk – Join an organized walk- maybe a nice 5k. Maybe you could do it raise money for a charity. Just wear your hat and take a walk after dark to see Christmas lights. Gather some friends and take a walk downtown, all wearing Santa hats. It’ll make people wonder what the heck you’re doing. Do some good while you are at it and hand out gifts or cards to random strangers.
  3. Christmas Shopping – Wear your hat every single time you do any Christmas shopping, whether out and about or online. Why not? You might as well dress the part.
  4. Go to work – Some businesses encourage their employees to wear Santa hats during the season. Even if yours doesn’t, go for it. It will cheer up your fellow employees, your customers and it may even be a good way to remind you to put on a smile, be nice to others, and all that good stuff.
  5. Santa Paddle – If you are lucky enough to live in a place that’s sunny in the winter get a group and hit water and paddle a kayak or a stand up paddle board Santa-style.
  6. Santa Hat Party – Throw a Santa Hat Party. Have all your guests wear a Santa Hat to get in, to get in cheaper (if you run a bar or club), or to win a prize. You could even trade hats at the end of the evening or auction them off at the end of the party.  
  7. Santa Bar Crawl – Invite a ton of people to move from bar to bar Santa-Style. Use Facebook or Twitter to get the word out. Everyone’s gotta wear a hat. Meet up at the first bar, then just make your way to others ON FOOT, please.
  8. Caroling – Sing classic Christmas songs or goofy renditions to random strangers or travel to your friends’ homes to entertain them. Great fun in a Santa hat or a Caroler Hat.
  9. Santa’s Helper – Tis the season to do something good for others. Put on your Santa hat and head out to clean up your local park, beach, or neighborhood. Or take gifts to shelter for the homeless, battered women, or a senior center.Take food, blankets or warm clothes to homeless. Help someone in need – maybe put up their lights, help them run errands, get a Christmas tree. I’ll be wearing mine as I work next Sunday at the SB Marathon as a course volunteer. Find some run or some event where you can volunteer in your Santa Hat.
    santarchy_logo
  10. Santarchy Event – As they say, “No force on earth can stop 100 Santas!”Every year, in December, Santas in large quantities descend upon unsuspecting cities and towns around the world for some Kringle Kaos. Your Santa Hat will need to be combined with a whole Santa Suit to take part in their Christmas Craziness, but it will be worth it. Check out their events and join in.

The Power of the Gobbler

November 25th, 2009

The Gobbler has reappeared on some random heads. What we have discovered, quite by accident, is that placing the Gobbler on one’s head stimulates thankfulness, and thankful thoughts.

Laura-in-Gobbler

When Laura placed the Gobbler on, she said she was thankful for being thin! She’s been working hard at it, so that makes total sense.

Mel-in-Gobbler

Melina, put the Gobbler on and big smiles suddenly took over her face and she joyously proclaimed how happy she was to be a new momma!

Koa-loving-the-Gobbler

Koa, Melina’s baby, had quite a shocking response when we put the Gobbler on him. He said he was thankful for “the boob.” Yep, those were his exact words. Well, you can’t blame him, he’s only a month old and breastfeeding is the highlight of his day.

What are you thankful for? If you are stuck, I know just what you need to do. Get a Gobbler Hat, stick it on your head and WHAM! BAM! You’ll be overrun with thankfulness. Your list will go on and on. Once you start being thankful, your brain becomes more aware of other things you can be thankful for.

Then what happens? You feel lighter, you smile, and everything looks, feels, and gets better.

Gobbler Sightings

November 20th, 2009
It's that time of year again!

It's that time of year again!

The countdown to Thanksgiving has become. Out comes my Gobbler hat – one of my very favorite hats! It gets everyone in the mood, feeling festive and thankful. For the next 6 days, Gobbler will be out and about and I’ll be trying to capture his antics on film for you.

 

 

 

 

He’ll appear on random heads – like my dog’s.

Ro-in-the-Gobbler

In various places – like trying to get behind the wheel of the Mini.

 gobbler-in-the-carGobbler-on-the-dashboard

And in just plain, weird, scenes. Who knew the Gobbler was such a squash lover.

Wouldn't he make a great centerpiece?

Wouldn't he make a great centerpiece?

I had to pull him off our pumpkin.

Gobbler-on-Butternut

Then I turned around and there he was, perched on top of my butternut squash.

The Gobbler is perfect for oh, so many settings, situations, and events, as you will see. It’s not just for wearing on the top of your head.

You’ll just have to stay tuned to see where Gobbler is sighted next. Or, you can get your own and see for yourself what I’m talking about.

Cosplay Vader and Stormtroopers Give Blood

November 17th, 2009

Ever heard the word Cosplay? It’s short for Costume Play and it refers to groups or individuals who like to dress up in costume. It’s not just about Halloween for them. It could be for specific costume events, conventions, reenactments, or just for fun.

civil-war-reenactors

Pirate Faire

I’m sure you’ve heard of groups who re-enact Civil War battles in full costume, or renaissance or pirate faires where everyone is in full costume and character. That’s cosplay. But it goes further. Did you know there are whole groups and organizations for cosplayers. Usually the groups are built around a specific theme and people join who are really into that theme – Star Trek, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Zombies, and Lord of the Rings are some popular ones.

There’s one group called the 501st Legion which is a global Star Wars costuming group. They’ve got 4000 members worldwide. Here’s their mission statement:

“…The Legion is an all-volunteer organization formed for the express purpose of bringing together costume enthusiasts under a collective identity within which to operate. The Legion seeks to promote interest in Star Wars through the building and wearing of quality costumes, and to facilitate the use of these costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributions to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work…”

They really do get out in their communities in costume and help out. Recently, eleven guys from the 501st showed up in full costume at the Robina Blood Donor Centre in Queensland, Australia and donated blood.

 

501st Legion

501st Helping Out

These guys are great. They have amazing costumes, do some pretty great things, and have a hell of a lot of fun while they are at it.

So what are you waiting for, you costume-loving fool?? What’s your favorite costume theme? Why not start your own Cosplay group? Meet up with other costume enthusiasts, create awesome costumes, then take them out and have some fun or help others!

Spiderman Arrested

November 13th, 2009

I am the first to admit that things can get hairy out there on the streets for Superheroes. (I know, I live it all the time because I’m a real superhero, but don’t tell anyone). There’s crime to fight, evil plans for world domination to thwart, civilians to rescue, lives to save. Someone should remind Spiderman of that.

Spiderman in Handcuffs

I don’t mean the real Spiderman, but one of the many who slip into Spidey’s suit and impersonate him down in Hollywood. For some reason, one particular web-slinger threw a few punches and roughed up a guy near Hollywood and Highland a few days ago. The guy wasn’t Spidey’s arch nemesis, committing a crime, or even hitting on Mary Jane.

The police were called. Investigations began. After wading through several other Spidermen in the vicinity, an arrest was made. Not so much for the battery, because the victim didn’t want to press charges, but for a stack of misdemeanor warrants this Spiderman had.

Now how do you think this impacted the youngsters in the area that day? Seeing Spidey handcuffed and marched away by the cops? Come on, folks! You’ve got to be on your best behavior when you are doing the Superhero gig. There are impressionable kids out here as well as a host of other superhero-lovers, like me.  Dress up as something or someone else if you’ve got anger issues.

You could be the Hulk. You could still be in character and whack people around, no problem.

If you just have to be a web-slinger, how about being Venom? He has all the same abilities as Spiderman, a great look, but no problem being evil and destructive.

If you just have to be a superhero, maybe a Batman suit is more your speed. We all know he had some serious emotional issues going on.

Here are recommendations for those of you with anger issues, self-control issues, or a serious mean-streak who aren’t insisting on being some sort of superhero.

Klingons are known for their violent side. At least the ones from the classic series. No one would think twice or get upset if a Klingon got in a knock-down-drag-out fight. It’s just their warrior nature.

Darth Vader, before his big change of heart, was the epitomy of all things evil.

Pick a costume that you can live up to. If you are the type to lose your temper, get into screaming matches or get into fights, skip on being one of the uber-good-guys. Do it for the kids. Do it for me. I don’t want to see any more superheroes, handcuffed and hauled away.

LULU Day

November 11th, 2009

The holidays are looming and the pressure builds. Who is coming to Thanksgiving? Who’s hosting it this year? What will I make? Will crazy Uncle Ted and Cousin Barney have another knock down drag out political debate? How will I make sure to get a piece of Grandma’s pecan pie before my sister woofs it all down?

Christmas lists. Who wants what and how the hell am I suppose to pay for that with the economy in its current downward spiral? Do we buy a Christmas tree or go artificial? What am I supposed to serve at Christmas dinner for Susie who just became vegan? Is Aunt Martha going to say another hour-long prayer before dinner as the food grows cold?

Healthcare reform bills. Current election issues. Your boss the power-hungry, control freak. The price of gas. The security your banking institution. The job market. The stock market. The military conflicts around the world.

These are just a few of the things we fret and stress over. Not to mention current standings in sports –  all the trades, acquisitions, injury reports that could greatly impact your weekly pool or fantasy league. The list of things we worry about could just go on and on.

Lucky for us there’s LULU Day.

November 14, 2009 is our day to get it all back in perspective. A day to consciously Loosen Up  and Lighten Up. Twenty-four hours to stop the incessant stressing about work, appointments, birthdays, holidays, bills, international affairs, who’s got what and who doesn’t.

Loosen Up, Lighten Up Day is just one day, just 24 hours, to smile more, breathe deeper, relax, and go low key. Is it possible? Can you loosen up for one day? Can you treat things more lightly for 24 hours? You can if you want to. And you can help someone else do it too.

Costumes – one simple piece or a full outfit – have been shown to be a highly effective tool on LULU Day. Somehow, wearing something silly and goofy makes us smile, laugh, and see that everything doesn’t have to be so serious.

So take the Tuesday, the 14th of November and loosen up a bit. Take the day off, wear a silly wig or glasses, go for a walk, hit the beach for a walk or just to lie there (if it’s warm where you are), get a massage, have your nails done, stare out the window and daydream, read a book, listen to music with your eyes closed. Just breath in and out, over and over. Maybe do a bit of yoga or meditation. Do what makes you laugh or smile. Make someone else laugh or smile.

Just make sure you don’t stress, worry, get upset, or get all serious. Don’t even think about all the yuck – just for one day. It will all be there on the 15th, I promise.  Get a little goofy, Loosen Up and Lighten Up, and let it all go. Who knows you may find you like it.

Good and Bad News for Santa

November 9th, 2009

Halloween has passed and what’s the next  big event on the calendar?? Well, yeah, there’s Thanksgiving, but I was actually thinking of something bigger, redder, jollier, with a little ho-ho-ho thrown in on the side.

Santa-In-Sleigh

You guessed it! Christmas is just around the corner and that means it’s time to prep for the arrival of that jolly old guy from the North Pole . . . Santa Claus! There are parades to lead, shopping malls to visit, seniors to cheer up, children’s wishes to hear and grant, presents to deliver, reindeer to take care of, chimneys to descend, and cookies to eat.

Such a big job! How does anyone really expect one man to do it all? That’s why there’s always a need for more Santas in the world at Christmas time.

On this note, I have good news and bad news for all of you aspiring Santas out there.

Good News: There are actual Santa Schools out there!!!

Yes, I said Santa Schools. You can actually pay to get top notch, Santa Training. According to some of these schools, participants actually report “renewed energy and deeper insights, and have allowed them to expand their horizons, and increase their personal satisfaction.” Here are three you might want to check out.

Charles W. Howard Santa Claus School

American Events Professional Santa Claus School

Santa School

Bad News: I am so sad to have to tell you that all of the dates for these courses have passed. Yep, you missed it. Apparently September and October are the big months for Santa training. Make note for next year.

Not being able to enroll in Santa School shouldn’t put a damper on your plans to play Santa this year. Here are a few tips to make yourself into a Santa that even Kris Kringle would approve of.

  1. Get yourself a great Santa Suit.
  2. Wear white gloves.
  3. Add suspenders if you need help keeping those pants up.
  4. Get a Santa Belly if you don’t have your own.
  5. Get a Santa hair and beard, unless you have your own.
  6. Use some make-up to finish the look. Put a bit of white clown make-up on your eyebrows. Smear just a dab under each eye to help you look a bit older. Then apply some red makeup to the tip of your nose and your cheeks for that rosy look. To get the make-up to set, use a make-up puff to apply some baby powder to your face. Don’t overdo it and wipe off any excess with a make-up brush.  
  7. Smile a lot.
  8. Laugh, ho-ho-ho-style, more.
  9. Be cheery, jolly, warm, caring, and show other legendary qualities associated with Father Christmas.