Here are two samples of how my "style" is. Do you think you would like anything in the lines with those? I posted these examples since I can't make your sig right now, because of homework. I'll start as soon as possible if you answer "yes" to the question though ;)
I think those 8/10 ratings you're talking about are made out of pity for the poor person who spent 5 hours on making a sig that anybody else would have been able to produce at the age of 2 or less :)
You could add a santa and maybe some snow. Who knows, maybe even a snowman? :) I think that looks more like a, well... it doesn't fill me up with christmas spirit if you see what I mean? :D
I'm glad you decapitated those turtles for me. :P You also further prove my point that jpeg wins: It takes two to beat a single jpger. They are not decapitated, nor are they giraffes. Turty soldier with Turtle action gear! Zoom-in provided to you by Toys 'R' Us.
hmm took me awile on background...maybe ill add some sweet text and some animation..even a pic I think you atleast should add some kind of border. I'm not an expert though, but it would look better in my eyes.