Tuesday, December 15, 2009

A Christmas Miracle, Part I

So, I was speeding way too fast along the parkway this morning, in a hurry to just be done with my Christmas errands. My mood was crap, and I was full of dread. Suddenly, flashing lights and sirens caught my eye and I hit the brakes. In the distance before me, I could see that there were motorcycle cops at the next two intersections, and a large police escort was headed my way. My first thought was that it was a funeral procession. A funeral for someone very influential, mind you, but a funeral, nonetheless. I strained to spot a hearse, but couldn't see one.

My next thought was it was some sort of diplomat/politician (Obama in the suburbs? Making a quick arugula run, perhaps?). I live within close enough proximity to "The Beltway," that it was a real possibility. Those fat cats (See, I can use that term fast and loose, too) are always zooming about in their tinted-windowed town cars, enjoying the expensive and ridiculous perks of the job, using those HOV lanes at their own whimsy, since, if you count their huge egos, their vehicles, indeed, carry quite a high occupancy.

No such luck. Turns out it was someone even more grand than any politician. Someone alive and well in Fairfax County... it was Santa Claus! My jaw literally dropped as I watched 12 police motorcycles escort a Suburban with Santa peering happily out the window, waving to us all. And if that weren't surreal enough, the Suburban behind dear Santa was carrying Rudolph, the one and only reindeer!

I couldn't help but smile. I would have expected my response to have been more cynical. But it just didn't occur to me to question the expense or the necessity or the appropriateness. It was what I needed to snap me out of my yearly bad mood. And it worked. The mall didn't seem so crowded, the lines didn't seem so long, and even though I didn't find everything I needed, it didn't matter.

Santa was on the scene, spreading his jolliness to all. By God, I was going to let it rub off on me, even if it killed me! But it didn't kill me. Maybe reveling in Christmas cheer isn't as difficult as I always seem to make it.

And if that weren't enough of a Christmas miracle, when I got home, I had a simple, brown package waiting patiently for me on my front porch, courtesy my own, lovely, Secret Santa.

11 comments:

Ash said...

"Fat cats" thrown around by certain politicians makes me want to scream "pot calling the kettle!!"

Is that racist?

Glad you managed to pull that little bahumbug out of your bootie and are loving the season :-).

Enjoy your Secret Santa box, from someone out there who thinks you rock. I'm sure.

Cajoh said...

And to think that some don't think Santa is real… Must have been going to the White House to see what the President wants for Christmas.

Wishing you a great holiday season!

Harlene said...

Love it! My little pick me up was hearing Neil Diamond's version of The Hannukah Song...the BEST EVAH!

Jenners said...

"And your heart grew two sizes that day..."

I love that Santa worked his magic on you!

Ann Imig said...

REALLY? That's quite an elaborate set up.

Hopefully he wasn't drunk and in cuffs...

Mama-Face said...

Wow. This post made my day. I need a little Santa drive by. I hope he's headed my way.

Wendyburd1 said...

I am so glad it got a smile from you!!

Lindsay said...

I would have freaked out. Not because it was Santa, but because of the apparent gift you were about to have to give the state for your speediness. Glad everything worked out!

Kim said...

This is great Deb. I love it. I love that Santa got such an escort ;)

I love you. Merry Christmas darling ;)

Denise @ Sunflowers, Chocolate and Little Boys said...

Glad you got a little Christmas cheer from your Santa sighting....in our "neck of the woods" Santa rides on the Firetruck. Way less tax dollars, Im sure!

Evolving Mommy Catherine said...

I wonder why Santa was getting such an elaborate escort? Either way I love it.