The Santa Station

The Hottest Holiday Gift? Reindeer Rentals! [VIDEO]

Don Deane — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:37:08 +0000

NBC

A husband and wife couple in the U.K. have found a unique way to make a buck off Christmas — by renting live reindeer for public appearances. Wonder what Santa thinks about this?

Martin and Angie Flint run a company called Real Reindeer that specializes in renting the animals for anything from small parties to large public gatherings. And they say business is booming this year.

Looking for a way to spice up your Christmas light display? This might be just the thing. Watch below.

[via Today]

Source: TheFW.com

7 Adorable 'Santa Babies' [PHOTOS]

Meghan O'Keefe — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 18:51:51 +0000

slighning, Flickr/lovestruckbabies.wordpress.com/philiphubs, Flickr

Every family has its strange holiday traditions and some of those include dressing up tiny, innocent infants as the world's most famous elderly gift giver. Here's a list of the 7 different kinds of Santa Babies you might end up meeting online or in real life this holiday season. And lest you think that we're making fun of the babies in these photos, relax and have some gingerbread. We're just celebrating the many types of kids who help bring cheer to the holiday season. Happy holidays!

The Cranky Santa Baby

There are children who are smarter than adults and then there are babies who are already more cranky than adults. They're not going to try to be cute for your photo. They know that life is a raw deal and no amount of blinking lights on a tree or Jackie Evancho songs are going to make it better. You're wasting their time dressing them up in a cute costume. It's just yet another stop on the train to CryTown, of which this little guy is the mayor of.

slighning, Flickr

The Perky Santa Baby

You know how there are some people who are perpetually chipper no matter what? It can be a rainy Monday morning, but they are all smiles and asking you to tell them all about the 'Law & Order' marathon you watched all weekend. These people didn't just become that way when they graduated college– they were born that way. This baby is an adorably perky. If this baby were an adult in your office, it would be less adorable and more annoying. The cheeks are its only saving grace.

BellaLinaBoutique, Etsy

The Gourmand Santa Baby

Babies have no body image issues because when you don't know how to sit up by yourself, you don't know that you're supposed to be embarrassed by how your stomach rolls and makes you look fatter when you sit down. They don't even know what fat is. Because they're babies. So babies can enjoy eating and drinking and not moving all day without a sense of guilt or an ounce of shame. They have a true lust for life equal to that of Shakespeare's Falstaff. Food! Fun! Naps!

shareski, Flickr

The Awkward Santa Baby

It's hard to be a baby. There are lights blinding you, sounds deafening you and even lifting your own skull is a chore. Sometimes, you don't even know if the person holding you is mommy or some random clerk at the local Target. So when your parents put you in a weird costume and prop you up against a spacey white background, you aren't going to look like a GQ model. You're going to be an awkward baby in a Santa suit. It's cool. One day you'll grow up, and never be photographed wearing a Santa suit again. Well, unless you get really drunk at the office holiday party.

philiphubs, Flickr

The “That's Kind of Wrong” Santa Baby

If you want to raise a daughter who will be wearing “sexy Mrs. Claus” costumes when she's 22, why not dress her in a Juicy Couture-inspired Santa outfit? Add a Carrie Bradshaw-style tutu and a hat to cover any remaining soft spots on her head, and you have one sassy Santa baby. Just make sure you're saving a little extra for therapy bills when you put aside money for the college fund.

AmandasAdventures, Flickr

The Santa Baby on the Verge of a Mental Breakdown

Remember how we mentioned that it's hard to be a baby? Well, imagine not being able to even cry because you've been pinned into a cute photo op? You'd be at your wits end. Your teeny tiny baby wits end. You'd be a Santa baby on the verge of a nervous breakdown. It's okay. You'll get 'em back later that night when they're trying to sleep. That's when you pull out the old “it's 3am and I need some Similac now” trick.

kellysue, Flickr

The Jolly Santa Baby

When Handel added the song “For Unto Us A Child Is Born” to his Christmas masterpiece “Messiah,” he thought he was writing about the baby Jesus. Nope. Turns out, he was really writing about this child. Look at this wittle guy! This baby is thrilled to even be associated with Santa. This baby is cuter than a monkey riding on a dog's back. This baby brings hope back to the holiday season. This baby is a holiday miracle. In essence, this baby is Santa Claus.

lovestruckbabies.wordpress.com

Source: TheFW.com

Senior Citizen Flash Mob Performing 'Last Christmas' Is Sweeter Than Gingerbread [VIDEO]

Don Deane — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 17:02:54 +0000

YouTube

Short on holiday spirit? Then this video, which shows a senior citizen flash mob performing ‘Last Christmas’ from ‘Glee,’ will surely get you in the mood.

The seniors spontaneously belt out the tune while at a Target in Kansas. One of them even does so while using a walker.

Admittedly, their timing is way, way off, but this doesn’t diminish their joyful performance in any way.

Watch the senior flash mob celebrate the holidays below.

[via Huffington Post]

Source: TheFW.com

The Newest Dangers to Watch Out for This Season Are Christmas Decorations?

Danny Gallagher — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:02:43 +0000

Johannes Simon, Getty Images

They may look like innocent reflections of the festive holiday season but if you’re not careful, you’ll be seeing a lot more red than green at Christmas.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CSPC) issued an alarming study that found that accidents caused by holiday decorations went from 10,000 cases in 2007 to more than 13,000 in 2010.

The injuries stemmed from falls while hanging Christmas lights, broken glass ornaments and other “holiday-related injuries.”

The study didn’t include accidents caused by Christmas tree and candle fires since they were surprisingly down, even though they caused an annual average of four deaths and $18 million in property damage between 2006 and 2008.

The CSPC issued several safety tips to keep decorations and trees from causing injuries or property damage. Some of their tricks include buying live trees or “fire resistant” fake trees and keeping them away from heat sources; keeping burning candles within sight and on stable, heat-resistant surfaces; and using thoroughly tested Christmas lights with proper extension cords and certifying that they can be used outdoors.

[CPSC]

Stefon Photo Bombs 'Saturday Night Live's' Norman Rockwell Christmas Card [IMAGE]

Bob Sassone — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 17:36:41 +0000

NBC

Here’s a great holiday treat for ‘Saturday Night Live’ fans: Weekend Update’s club guru Stefon shows up on the show’s official Christmas card this year.

And it’s not just any picture that’s used for the card, it’s the Norman Rockwell classic “Freedom From Want” painting, with the woman serving a turkey to her happy family. A wholesome scene perfect for a Stefon “photo bomb.”

The card was sent out to ‘SNL’ family and friends and put online by promoter Aaron Meier. Stefon can be seen just to the left of the mother (or grandmother?) in the photo above, holding his hands over his mouth as Stefon is prone to do.

It’s a little disconcerting to see him there like that, disturbed by a this traditional holiday setting that doesn’t involve dancing midgets. Check out the full card below.

NBC

[via BuzzFeed and I'm With Kanye]

Source: TheFW.com

Deck the Halls With Animals! 9 Housewares for Pet Lovers

Vetstreet Editors — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 23:25:12 +0000

Vivaterra/Anthropologie/The Refined Canine

To really make your home cozy and warm this time of year, add some four-legged decor. Don’t worry: We’re not talking about hunting hounds wallpaper or kitten doilies. These tasteful and stylish items will make even the most critical of interior designers proud.

Hooked Dog Stocking

Your pup deserves something from Santa, too. Jolly Ole St. Nick can put his toys in a Labrador stocking from the Sundance Catalog ($45).

Sundance Catalog

Animal Hooks by Rosalie Sherman

The kids won’t pile all their winter garments on the floor if they have these fun giraffe hooks from Artful Home to hang their coats on ($37 and up).

The Artful Home

Dog Magnets

We’ve got the perfect gift for the dog lover who regaled you with her pup’s accomplishments in her holiday card. Let her show off Fluffy’s A+ in dog obedience class or her paw print painting on the fridge with delightful dog magnets from Gump’s ($30).

Gump's

Recycled Newspaper Dogs

Who needs a pet when you’ve got Rover and Rascal, two ecofriendly dogs made of recycled newspapers? Sit them in front of the door to greet visitors (no need to worry about jumping or licking) and put a pair of festive antlers on their heads to really get in the holiday spirit ($149 for Recycled Rover or Recycled Rascal; $22 for antlers).

Vivaterra

Limoges Holiday Turtle

No mantel is complete without a festive Limoges porcelain turtle from Gump’s. Inside his handpainted shell there’s even a tiny surprise ($225).

Gump's

Wise Ol’ Canister

Woot! This Anthropologie owl is sure to turn heads in your kitchen or dining room ($128).

Anthropologie

The Igloo Dog Bed

This igloo dog bed from The Refined Canine is the perfect mix of form and function. Your pup will have a comfy spot to catch a few winks, and you can use the bed as a fashionable end table. Perfect for displaying your favorite framed portaits of Fido ($99 and up).

The Refined Canine

Doxie Dog Desk Pen

Liven up your work day with this cheerful Dachshund pen. Writing your to-do list won’t seem like a chore as he jingles while you write ($4.95).

Hyatt's All Things Creative

Dog Walker Mug and Puggle Dog Tray

Quick, what do you get when you cross a Pug with a Beagle? A Puggle! And you’ll never forget with this Puggle dog tray from Fishs Eddy. Use it to serve crackers or cheese or — even better — a plate of homemade biscuits for your designer dog. While your pup is chowing down on the treats, you can sit back, relax and drink a cup of joe from the dog walker mug ($10.95 each).

Fish Eddy

More on Vetstreet:

Vetstreet.com is a new animal health and lifestyle site dedicated to giving you the most accurate pet information possible, so you can keep your dogs and cats healthy and happy. Our articles are written and reviewed by leading veterinarians, journalists, and animal health experts.

Source: TheFW.com

'A Christmas Story' Is America's Favorite Christmas Movie…What Else Is There? — Survey of the Day

Jeremy Taylor — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 20:58:02 +0000

Liberty Films/MGM

It wouldn’t be Christmas time without Christmas movies, and even though the same half-dozen or so holiday classics tend to be played again and again during December two Christmas films folks are still not sick of are ‘A Christmas Story’ and ‘It’s a Wonderful Life.’

According to a new survey from Harris Online of 2,499 adults, ‘A Christmas Story’ is the most popular yuletide film, having been picked by 20 percent of respondents as their favorite. In a close second at 19 percent is the James Stewart and Donna Reed-led classic ‘It’s a Wonderful Life,’ followed by ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ (16 percent), ‘National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation’ (16 percent) and ‘The Santa Clause’ (eight percent). Twenty percent of respondents picked none of the above.

[Harris Online]

Best Ways To Enjoy Fruitcake – Our Top 11

The Santa Station — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 06:47:29 +0000

sylvar, flickr

Christmas is sooooo close! It's a time for loving, giving, sharing, laughing…and taking a few pokes at the holiday's unofficial whipping boy – the fruitcake. Yes, the fruitcake! I refer to it adoringly as “Grandma's Revenge.” Despite a failed congressional effort to outlaw this abomination of a dessert, the fruitcake remains alive and well in 2011. Rumor has it, there's really only one, and that it just keeps getting passed around. We can't say for sure. Fruitcakes actually date back to Roman times. Our early colonists, however, are credited with the version closest to the one we know and love today. They discovered that lots of sugar with a little help from (liquid) spirits, could preserve their fruit very nicely. Thus, the scourge of Christmas was born. Just in case someone decides to bestow one upon you this holiday season, we've come up with a few ways to put it to good use.

FRIEND ELIMINATOR

Have too many people on your Christmas list to buy for? Looking for a way to ditch that friendly but unwanted acquaintance? Well, nothing says “It's been a good run,” or “We'll get together sometime…or never,” like a good old-fashioned fruitcake. Once your victim, er…former friend, sees that you cared enough to actually present them with one, they'll get the hint faster than Sherlock Holmes at an obvious convention. Problem solved.

Reinout van Rees. Flickr

CURLING STONE

How many times have you gone out to relax with a nice game of Curling, only to discover that you either left your stone at home or they've all been rented out? Worry no more! Your unopened fruitcake is the answer. The alcohol content coupled with the sheer weight gives your new stone a fast and smooth bottom that will slide across the ice effortlessly. Plus, since you leave it in the car to avoid potential embarrassment, it's always handy.

Andrea_44, Flickr

FENCE POST ANCHOR

Anyone who lives in Casper can tell you that the wind wreaks havoc on just about everything and a fence is one of them. The better your supports are, generally the stronger your fence. Scientific studies have concluded (and this is perfect if you're a regular recipient) that fence posts with concrete reinforced by three month old fruitcake are up to 47% stronger than regular fences. This use is also a terrific way to remove any and all traces of the concoction, thus making people believe that you really did eat the thing.

Forestedpath, Flickr

WINDOW BOXES

Here's another great outdoor use for the fruitcake – window boxes. The applications and benefits are so many, this actually should be the first use of a fruitcake! The fruitcake's unique texture and density make it not only impervious to the Wyoming elements, but provide sustenance and a nurturing environment to any sort of plant, flower, or bulb. Throw out that old bird feeder. Those sparrows will be coming right to your window. Another pro is that squirrels are about as happy to eat fruitcake as humans. Con: hummingbirds have been known to OD.

goingslo, flickr

REINDEER PATTIES

This idea will give your front yard Christmas display a little more substance. To add authenticity, replace your fake reindeer droppings with fruitcake. You'll save money and be more than pleased with the results. You might also try sprucing up your Nativity scene. Fruitcake is an acceptable alternative for fake sheep, donkey, and camel scat, too. All that's stopping you is your imagination.

MSVG, Flickr

POTHOLE FILLER

This is another exciting and practical use for the much-maligned fruitcake. Our climate and constant temperature fluctuations make potholes a regular part of life…a part that irritates us to no end and damages our vehicles. That can all be eliminated with a few well-placed fruitcakes. Not only do they taste like road tar, but they provide a long-lasting and pliable support while at the same time soaking up excess moisture and bonding to the existing asphalt. This really is a no-brainer.

gcfairch, flickr

TARGET PRACTICE

Speaking of no-brainer. How 'bout setting your sights on an unsightly rum-soaked target? Just take a fruitcake to your favorite shooting range. Squeeze off a few rounds, improve your aim, and never again worry about finding your bullet. Yeah, it's in there! Raise the skill level by trying to put a round right in the center of a cherry, fig, or one of those “green” things. And unlike paper, can, or glass targets, your fruitcake can never be destroyed; at least not by anything short of a bazooka.

BozDoz, Flickr

FREE WEIGHTS

With New Year's and all of those pending resolutions on the way, you might be thinking about getting back in shape. Why not add a fruitcake station to your existing weight-training regimen? We all know that @!&$ is heavy! It's simple, effective, and greatly improves the smell of the gym. Increase the weight by adding more alcohol or syrup to the fruitcake, or decrease it by taking out a few bites. You're no dumbbell! Your friends will be amazed at your new fruitcake-enhanced physique.

Spider.Dog, Flickr

DENTURE REMOVER AND STORAGE

Normally we receive fruitcakes from our elderly relatives, but maybe this year we should actually give them one. As it turns out, the adhesive properties of fruitcake trump even the strongest denture creams and gels. Do you know someone that can't get their teeth out after a full day of bonding? Have 'em bite into a fruitcake. Presto! Just like magic, dentures come free with just a little gum tissue. The preserving nature of the fruitcake will also sterilize, freshen, and protect your dentures until you're ready to wear them again.

Jack Zalium, Flickr

SPARE TIRE

Depending on the make and model of your vehicle, and the size of the fruitcake, these spongebombs make pretty good spare tires. In fact, Consumer Reports compared fruitcake tires to other forms of cake, and the results were staggering. The fruitcake held its form for an average of 120 miles and was resilient to rocks, ice, and spike strips. While we're not advocating them as a permanent rubber tire replacement, should an emergency arise…

Brett Jordan, Flickr

FOOD

For years, I thought it was just a myth. As it turns out, we humans can actually consume fruitcake with little or no side effects. Advanced clinical trials are needed to determine long-term damage, because so far no one has been able to consume it for the amount of time needed. Care to try? Just grab yourself some courage, a huge glass of milk or egg nog, a garden trowel, a honkin' heap of fruitcake, and have at it! Please be sure to remove any dentures or dead hummingbirds first. Wait, on second thought that might just improve the taste.

Watch Matt Damon as Santa Trying to Give Kids Water Bottles for Christmas [VIDEO]

Don Deane — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 19:24:24 +0000

water.org

Matt Damon dressed up as Santa Claus for a promotional ad for Water.org and tried to pawn water bottles off on kids. But if there’s one thing to be learned from this clip, it’s that most kids don’t want to hear about a clean water initiative during Christmas time.

In fact, the majority of the kids couldn’t care less about receiving a water bottle from Santa Damon. Nor do they seem to have a clear idea who Matt Damon is. Ben Affleck, though? Him they know.

Watch the cute video below.

[via BuzzFeed]

Source: TheFW.com

Darth Vader Uses the Force to Lead Christmas Choir Flash Mob [VIDEO]

Don Deane — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 15:35:16 +0000

YouTube

Darth Vader may be a bad guy, but as this video shows, he likes a Christmas choir as much as we do. Who knew the Dark Lord was such a fan of the holidays?

At Algonquin College in Ontario, Canada, Vader himself uses the Force to control a Christmas choir flash mob as they belt out a rendition of ‘Carol of the Bells.’

Let the merriment flow through you like the Force below.

[via BuzzFeed]

Source: TheFW.com