SantaCon Has Come (and Gone) from Town

Santas came to town for SantaCon

This evening we're going from the sublime of Iona to the ridiculous of SantaCon. We leave one of the most serene locations on this earth for a few moments in the heart of manic New York City, and the confluence of SantaCon and Grand Central Station. 

SantaCon, which took place yesterday, has become an annual tradition where people dress up in assorted Santa Claus outfits and go out drinking. I didn't see anyone in my neighborhood in Santa attire, but I met my dear friend Lonnie at Grand Central Station and the presence of Santa was all around us. 

The minimalist look for SantaCon, unlike the Santas in the first picture who are in full Santa attire. 

 A variation on Santa attire, holiday pajama onesies

It wasn't just Santas at Grand Central Station. 

I had a fun visit with Elmo at Kidding Around, one of my favorite stores. 

As I note every year at this point in December, Christmas is right around the corner. We've still got Macy's windows, Bergdorf Goodman's windows and the holiday train show at Grand Central to enjoy. We also have our own Buttercupland tradition, Monkee Monday, which will take place tomorrow. Pep is ready in his festive attire and Nessie joins us this year. I, however, am ready for very little. Despite my good intentions I am lagging in cards and wrapping and somewhere under the morass of cards, random envelopes and wrapping paper I have misplaced my 2020 calendar.   

As ever, thanks for visiting and have a great week!

It's Christmas Time in the City...SantaCon

Am I the last person in America to know about SantaCon? 

On the subway, in Grand Central Station, in the Bronx, at Bryant Park -- I was all about New York City today -- there were Santas and Santa's elves and Mrs. Santas everywhere. I hadn't heard about SantaCon, but a Child on Christmas Morning kindly explained it to me. It is a pub crawl throughout the city. Participants receive information on stops via Twitter. 

  Santas and other travelers buying MetroCards for the subway. Now we know how presents are delivered in New York City. 

Santa and Mrs. Claus stop for coffee and a snack.

This member of the North Pole Fire Department has his dalmatian with him. 

Elves joined in the festivities. 

This must be a great benefit to the costume and party stores. I've wondered about who bought some of the costumes I've seen in the party store near my office -- some Naughty Elf looks -- and now I know.  

My look was less festive. I did have on a green sweater and a red jacket, but I would not have been mistaken for an elf -- good or naughty. I had a wonderful time visiting Arthur Avenue in the Belmont section of the Bronx, on a food tour. I will be doing a post about my visit to the Bronx in the next few days. I hope everyone had as yummy a day as I did!