Last Saturday, Husband was working, so the Little One and I were on our own. Ya know, just a couple of gals out on the town, footloose & fancy free. In the late afternoon, we ventured out to the Kettle of Fish in the West Village, where friends were hosting a turducken (turkey + duck + chicken = yummy goodness) party. Looking for more space, they chose this neighborhood bar because it happens to have a side room that's great for groups. Kind of the perfect, mellow setting to have some food & drinks with friends.

Here is what I know now: Santa Con is an international event that occurs all over the US and in 25 countries. On one established day in December, everyone & their brother who feels the urge to don a Santa or elf costume can dress up and walk around town. Think of it as the Halloween of the holiday season... a time to dress inappropriately because you can, to drink yourself silly and to, most likely, regret it the next day. Ah, good times.
This would have been entertaining if I had been on my own, but seeing as Baby S was with me, I quickly went into protective mode. Entering the bar, I felt a cross between Moses parting the Red Sea and a mama bear protecting her young. I kept my hands in front of me to make sure not a single St. Nick bumped or nudged us as I searched for my group.
Quickly finding the hostess with the mostess, I settled in with the party for some delicious food & holiday cheer with friends. Sure, a couple Santas eyeballed the turkducken, but I think they knew better than to try and crash our little festive event.
Drunk Santa, don't even TRY and cross a mama bear.