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How do I remove sinister Santa outfit from a cactus?

330 replies

YesitsBess · 14/04/2023 18:52

My lovely sister got this little darling thing for my teenage son for Christmas. He loves it, as do I. However having gone way past 12th night we would now like to update his wardrobe/allow him to go 'au natural'.

Also he looks quite menacing and the other plants are a bit scared.

I've tried gently pulling the hat, no joy. I've tried tweezers on the grumpy eyes, I ended up with my other hand covered in prickles.

It is not glued on or secured by any other method I can see. Does anyone have any intimate knowledge on how to disrobe a festive novelty cactus?

Thanking you in advance.

How do I remove sinister Santa outfit from a cactus?
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Princessconsuelabananahammock9 · 15/04/2023 18:04

He really is a bad Santa..
I refuse to kink shame him

Florissant · 15/04/2023 17:01

He's just showing how much he likes you. (I'm guessing that that yellow thing growing perpendicular to the hat is Mr AngryGreasedSanta's - ahem - appendage and not part of another plant.)

YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:40

So I winkled the back of the hat off. Then had to stop because I laughed so much that I had to sit down for a bit. THEN I discovered that the eyes are somehow connected to the hat.

This is now an entirely different conundrum. I have to do a hat-ectomy whilst trying not to laugh at his stupid attempts at growing. * *

How do I remove sinister Santa outfit from a cactus?
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YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:32

We have a spooky ruined Priory? I bet if there's any Rent-a-Ghost types they'll be over there.

Yellow pages would have been handy for wrapping angry Santa...

How do I remove sinister Santa outfit from a cactus?
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Florissant · 15/04/2023 16:27

YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:04

I've canvassed some friends. Absolutely nobody is willing to do this with me. It's like they've had enough of my nonsense or something 😀

How about an exorcist? Is there one local to you? It's a shame that BT no longer do the Yellow Pages for this kind of thing but Checkatrade might.

YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:06

potatowhale · 15/04/2023 13:59

You can't pull his eyes off!

You're absolutely right I cannot. I'm currently sourcing tiny pirate hats. Because reasons.

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YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:05

AnchorWHAT · 15/04/2023 13:56

We once put googly eyes on our CEOs cacti, every single one of them whilst having a meeting in his office. Then we left, wonder what he made of it, no one ever asked or owned up.

I love this story because it's something I would do. I once boogley eyed the contents of an entire fridge.

And your user name? Chef's kiss

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YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:04

Vitriolinsanity · 15/04/2023 13:40

Brilliant thread.

Can you get in from the back? Snip and push with someone pulling from the front!

I've canvassed some friends. Absolutely nobody is willing to do this with me. It's like they've had enough of my nonsense or something 😀

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YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:03

MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 15/04/2023 13:31

If Cactus is wearing Pootle's hat... is Pootle now naked? How does he feel about this 😮

Pootle hat was previously on a stuffed Baymax toy. Baymax seems indifferent to the loss. Cactus on the other hand is furious because of course he is.

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YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 16:02

tailinthejam · 15/04/2023 13:17

I've had a few cacti in my time. The little darlings have different types of spines depending on variety. Some are just pointy and sharp, and some have little hooks at the ends and act in much the same way as Velcro.

Good luck - you're gonna need it 😂

Thanking you! This appears to be the "hairy yet strangely pointy" variety.

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DRS1970 · 15/04/2023 14:17

YesitsBess · 14/04/2023 18:56

I don't possess two sets of tweezers. Hmmmm. What will pass for tweezers in an emergency such as this?

Can you cut the spines? I'm worried about upsetting him further. He already seems quite cross.

Just use pliers or tongs.

potatowhale · 15/04/2023 13:59

YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 08:37

I'm leaning towards this option. Also seriously considering leaving the eyes on...

You can't pull his eyes off!

AnchorWHAT · 15/04/2023 13:56

We once put googly eyes on our CEOs cacti, every single one of them whilst having a meeting in his office. Then we left, wonder what he made of it, no one ever asked or owned up.

Vitriolinsanity · 15/04/2023 13:40

Brilliant thread.

Can you get in from the back? Snip and push with someone pulling from the front!

MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 15/04/2023 13:31

If Cactus is wearing Pootle's hat... is Pootle now naked? How does he feel about this 😮

tailinthejam · 15/04/2023 13:17

I've had a few cacti in my time. The little darlings have different types of spines depending on variety. Some are just pointy and sharp, and some have little hooks at the ends and act in much the same way as Velcro.

Good luck - you're gonna need it 😂

YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 08:37

I'm leaning towards this option. Also seriously considering leaving the eyes on...

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JaninaDuszejko · 15/04/2023 08:16

If you get the santa hat off he can wear the (non-glued on) Pottle hat when required. You could make him a little bucket hat for his summer holidays. The possibilities are endless.

YesitsBess · 15/04/2023 08:08

Good morning!

Current decision is to go for a walk before we all get cabin fever. Then attempt.hairdryer. although a small part of me thinks he is now too cute in his little.hat to be all nakey.

But that is what nature intended.

But he does look very cute.

Hmmmmmm

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JaninaDuszejko · 15/04/2023 08:03

So, @YesitsBess , can we get an update? I'm far too invested in this poor grumpy cactus now.

BouleBaker · 15/04/2023 03:01

CrazyCatLady13 · 14/04/2023 23:33

They're usually glued on, you could try (gently) using a hairdryer to loosen the glue, then tweezers to pull the clothes off. Just be careful not to cook him 😁

This is recommended to get rid of those horrible fake flowers that are glued to cacti sometimes.

This is a good shout. And Cacti are desert creatures so must be used to a little heat wafting up the spines.

purplecorkheart · 15/04/2023 01:55

I think he looks adorable in his little bobble hat. He has the look of a cross toddler.

Furries · 15/04/2023 00:49

YesitsBess · 14/04/2023 22:13

We are going to watch Sean of the Dead and then decide how to handle him tomorrow.

He does look miffed non?

“You’ve got red on you” - after handling the spiky Santa cactus 🤣

Rarar · 15/04/2023 00:28

I love this thread so much ❤️ DH is adamant Santa cactus' spines will have grown into the fabric of his outfit and you won't get it off without cutting said spines. That said he knows nothing about cacti so don't listen to him.

CrazyCatLady13 · 14/04/2023 23:33

They're usually glued on, you could try (gently) using a hairdryer to loosen the glue, then tweezers to pull the clothes off. Just be careful not to cook him 😁

This is recommended to get rid of those horrible fake flowers that are glued to cacti sometimes.