The hat ripped off in warp drive leaving patches of barren head and scattered silvery strands. His wrapping-paper eyes still gleeful below brows scorched orbiting Kelt-9b.
A cardinal flight suit displayed his rank, Commander of Cheer. The Keppelerians sheared his beard to make seasonal souvenirs. The Great Giver had returned to face an undecorated street of masks.
He’d landed his sleigh well past curfew, which alerted the local authorities, who promptly placed him under fourteen-day isolation. Christmas was under quarantine that year.
© khartless 2021, All Rights Reserved
I wrote this Christmas flash last year, which required a strict 82-word limit, the use of the image above, and an interstellar space traveler. Happy holidays! Enjoy!
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
Wrapping-paper eyes; what a super expression!
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Thank you, Hobbo. I’ve got all recycled paper and reusable cloth here this year. Feels good bit to destroy the planet with my presenting.
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Good for you. Our son has been wrapping presents up in newspaper since he was a kid! 😂
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How grand this is, the imagery is stunning. That was so much fun, K.
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Thank you. I imagine an interstellar Santa has many new customs to conform to, as he grow evermore tired zipping the cosmos. I really appreciate you reading and commenting on my works. Cheers!
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You’re welcome. Always. Indeed! Splendid. It’s always my pleasure, K. Cheers!
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who could not love a face like that? What a title: Commander of Good Cheer. And what a Grinchian response awaited him. A clever, timely piece 🙂
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I love the elongated version of the title you’ve created. Thank you. May good will survive the pandemic.
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yes, to that 🙂
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Reblogged this on Yard Sale of Thoughts.
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Great modern twist on such classic folklore – loved your charming take on it, K! 🙂
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Loving the imagery and narrative of this piece from another year . . . ❤
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Thank you for reading this, Jay. The image just seemed like Santa future to me. 💜
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Thanks! Fun! Happy Holidays
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Happy holidays!
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You too!
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