The traditional “ball drop” is so last year (and the year before that, and the year before that). But head to the Florida Keys and you’re bound to ring in the New Year as only the Keys can.

Yes, you will undoubtedly enjoy balmy temperatures and beachside fireworks. But it’s their unique version of Times Square’s ball drop that you’ll remember every year around New Year’s Eve.

At one location, people are expected to ring in the New Year by watching a gigantic manmade conch shell, the symbol of the Florida Keys, descend from the skies to the roof of Sloppy Joe’s Bar.

A few blocks away, a lavishly costumed female impersonator named Sushi will descend seconds before midnight in a super-sized red high heel suspended above the crowd.

In Key West’s Historic Seaport, just before midnight, a pirate wench will begin her descent from the top of the mast of a stately tall ship. There’s even festivities for pets.

I vote for dropping the ball. Give me the Keys, please.

The celebration of the New Year is the oldest of all holidays, dating back 4000 years to ancient Babylon. The Babylonian New Year celebration lasted eleven days. Ours lasts only one night, so why not make it as fun as possible by incorporating costumes?

According to Allana Baroni, at getsocial.com, when guests get dressed up, they’re able to step outside themselves to mingle and flirt.

In this video, she shows you how to set up a Costume Station that will help coax your guest’s alter egos to come out and play.

There’s nothing like costumes to help you ring in the New Year with style!

Thousands of Santas took over the streets of San Francisco last week for the annual Santacon. They filled up the malls, bars and downtown sidewalks, spreading goodwill and holiday cheer.

Santacon occurs in many cities throughout the world this time of year. As members of the Cacophony Society, their goal is to unite “in the pursuit of experiences beyond the pale of mainstream society through subversion, pranks, art, fringe explorations and meaningless madness.”

Sounds fun, and looks like a great time!

Here are a few photos from the event. Be sure to check out the giant SF Santacon photo gallery on Flickr.

As a kid, I remember my grandfather reading “Twas the Night Before Christmas” to me on Christmas Eve. Since then, I’ve heard a million different versions of the story…except for Batman’s version.

For superhero fans everywhere, here’s the “Dark Knight Before Christmas.”

I love what ThatCostumeGirl is doing over on her costume blog.

This week, she provides an excellent tutorial on How to Make an Elf Costume - with no sewing required! All the bases are covered: The shoes, the outfit and hat. Very helpful! And she looks terrific.

Best of all is her Elf Dance video that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face. I love it! What a great way to have fun with costumes and spread holiday cheer. Well done, TCG!

Try to picture the worst Christmas flick you can think of, and you still won’t come close to Santa Conquers the Martians (yes, it’s a real movie). A 1964 sci-fi film, Santa Conquers the Martians regularly appears on lists of the “worst films ever made” and at one time became a holiday staple on Comedy Central because it’s so, well, laughable.

Interestingly, despite its “bad movie” status, there is also a comic book version of the film.

In Santa Conquers the Martians, centuries of feeding education into the brains of Martian children through machines has resulted in their inability to experience individuality and freedom of thought. It is decided that the only way to help the children is to allow them to have some fun.

So, the Martian leaders kidnap Santa Claus from earth and bring him to Mars to make toys for the children of their planet. Of course, there’s an “evil” Martian (who’s about as scary as pet turtle) intent on foiling the fun.

Unfortunately, it’s not just the film’s storyline that stinks. The sets are crude, the acting is unforgivable, and the Martian costumes, well…those are my favorite. The helmets look like a cross between a TV set and scuba mask. You gotta love the 60’s!

Ready to dress up like Santa for the big Christmas party? Well, firefighters in North Wales have a message for you:

Don’t set yourself on fire.

As part of a campaign for holiday safety, firefighters burned two mannequins dressed as Santa in order to demonstrate the flammable nature of Santa costumes. They also warned of the risks of holiday drinking.

A popular holiday alcoholic drink is Sampuca. It’s very strong, and is usually served lit on fire.

Lots of fun, but very dangerous - especially if you happen to be wearing a Santa suit.

Firefighter Tony Jones said: “When people go out drinking, their guard is down. If you think of a drink like Sambuca, it’s an accelerant, it’s like petrol. These things can be very dangerous when people light their drinks. And if they are wearing a fancy dress costume as well, the materials are very thin, flimsy and easily ignitable.”

“Our message is to go out, enjoy yourself but also be aware of the dangers.” [via BBC News]

 
If you’re going to be drinking and playing with fire, dressed as Santa, perhaps it would be a good idea to get a bottle of fire retardant spray for an extra measure of safety.

Be smart and safe, Everyone!

Nothing says Christmas like…villians. This Direct TV commercial makes the Grinch look more evil than Freddy Krueger. The narration is in Spanish but you don’t need to understand it to appreciate the commercial’s weird, albeit a little creepy, Holiday goodness. Gosh, I love advertising.

Spanish translation:
Some people are only good at Christmas.
Others are good all year.
Direct TV is better

Santa to the rescue!

The Canadian Press reports that a man dressed as Santa Clause saved a woman after she had a heart attack.

The woman wore a defibrillator which, like a pacemaker, delivers a jolt of electricty to regulate a weak heart.

Santa used his first aid training to activate the defibrillator and restart the woman’s heart. “A lot went through my head before I pushed that button,” he said.

The woman is now doing well. Way to go, Santa! You are a true hero.

[via The Canadian Press]

Don’t leave your car out of the fun this holiday season. Dress it up in an Elf Car Costume! Simply attach the weather-proof elf ears to the windows, and the elf hat to the front grill of your car, and presto! You’ll have the most festive car in town.

And if elves aren’t your thing, you can alway dress up your car as Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer.

WARNING: May inspire scorn and road rage. For best results, do not make eye contact with other drivers.