Monday, December 18, 2006

Disturbing Signs.

The Scene: A holly-dazed Sheep is driving to another Monday of teaching and trying to work up the gumption to paste a smile to her mug for the little darlings in this, the week before a school vacation. She is behind in the Christmas shopping, still has a number of cards to get into the mail and has given up all hope of finishing the baking in time for gifting unto others. She doesn't even want to think about all those knitted somethings that she isn't going to get done. Casting her eyes heavenward, (but only briefly since she is driving and she knows that having eyes on the road is a good thing even if they are only at half-mast at this hour), she sends up a little shout-out to whatever powers-that-be might be listening.

"I dunno if I'm gonna make it this year. It is all just so overwhelming. I wonder if I should persevere with the holiday preparations or simply let it go and be happy with what I've managed to accomplish. I'm torn...all I need is a sign. Just one little sign! Something to show me what course of action would be best for this frazzled Sheep!"

I drove a bit further and was almost upon the school parking lot. As I passed a house that I drive by five days weekly, I noted a new holiday decoration on the lawn. Could this be the sign for which I'd begged? It was certainly large enough to be given consideration. There, propped up against a tree, was a larger than life Santa complete with red suit, black boots and belt.

And he was headless.

Message received. The day progressed accordingly.

Perhaps this wasn't the sign. It could just be coincidence. It could also be that I'm over-analyzing the sight of Father Christmas lying decapitated in someones yard. Either way, you can't help but think about what it all means...

Despite this, I will make an attempt to get a few more cards out tomorrow. It seems unfair that my lack of organization should be felt by my loved ones. But I'm going to take a little break from any other holiday type activities. Maybe I'm just looking for an excuse, but I didn't happen to see Santa's head anywhere on that lawn. I can't help but think of that scene in The Godfather. You know the one I mean...horse's head in the bed and all? Yeah, that one.

That'll put you off your eggnog. I shudder to think what signs Arbor Day might bring this year...

SA

12 comments:

sheep#100 said...

I'm going to email you - this comment shouldn't be for publlic consumption.

Anonymous said...

Ah man, I wanna know what Trek says.

Anonymous said...

Me too! I wanna know.

A headless Santa - that is surely some kind of sign!

Anonymous said...

Oh no! Poor Santa. Not a good sign at all...
Karen
http://nothingbutknit.blog-city.com/

mrichme said...

The sign was the fact that Christmas is about the thought and spending time with loved ones rather than the tangible things that Walmart and Amazon want you to believe. Okay I'm slinging the b.s. with the best of them today.

What if you told everyone you celebrated Festivus Day and they will get their stuff when it is ready?

April said...

Hell yeah, that's a sign! I know ALL about signs.

It means you should be knitting a sock with a lace pattern as opposed to a cable pattern.

Lazuli said...

A decapitated Santa? How odd! I, too, am curious what Trek has to say!

missemilysmom said...

Should it surprise me in the vicinity we work to the HS? Poor Santa... What did Trek say!

Knittymama said...

Oh, comeb on Trek! :-)

You have no idea how thankful I am to be a part time teacher this year. I actually don't have to be with those buggers that last day before break!! So anyway, good luck with that. I'll think of you Friday while I'm home wrapping gifts. Of course I'll be wrapping gifts with a three year old and a baby....

Anonymous said...

Oh man, you need to just do what you can and leave the rest. I am lucky, this year we have a good excuse to bow out gracefully of all holiday activities. :) I didn't decorate, send cards or even do gifts since I have been on bed rest since September now! I have to admit I am enjoying it in a lot of ways - the not doing the holiday thing. I miss it in a few but for the most part it is kind of nice.

Teri S. said...

I'm in the same boat, Sheep. I've tossed the Christmas knitting into a corner and refuse to look at the desk wherein the Christmas cards repose. I just realized that Christmas is less than a week away and I have not yet begun to shop. I am so screwed.

Mia said...

relax sheepie.. and enjoy the season for you and in your own way. Not easy, I know, but I'll work on it if you will :)

and I don't think headless Santa was a sign.. and if he had been wearing a hand knitted scarf we probably wouldn't be having this discussion. Just sayin.