For the past ten Christmases, Commonplace Fun Facts has operated under a remarkably benevolent—but strictly enforced—holiday policy. On Christmas Day, the staff is off duty. Not “light duty.” Not “check your email.” Fully off. This executive decision was made years ago by Skye, our Canine-in-Chief, who believed that Christmas morning should be spent doing sensible things like drinking coffee, opening gifts, and having more than enough time and energy to rub her belly upon demand.
Skye also handled the night shift. While the rest of us slept, she stayed up to watch for Santa, ensuring that reindeer met basic OSHA standards, suspicious noises were investigated, and no one tried to sneak past without proper authorization. Every Christmas morning, she then extended official holiday greetings to our readers, a tradition she took seriously and performed with quiet dignity.
Since March 31 of this year, Skye has been carrying out those same responsibilities from Heaven. We miss her very much. We miss the watchful eyes, the steady presence, and the absolute certainty that there was at least one grown-up in the house. But we also carry a decade’s worth of memories, and we know her wishes are clear: the staff still has the day off, our readers are still very much appreciated, and the tradition continues.
It just doesn’t seem to be the same without a word from our beloved canine boss, so this morning we’re sharing one last Christmas memo from a very good dog, written in verse, sent with love, and delivered with gratitude.
Here is Skye’s Christmas greeting to the readers of Commonplace Fun Facts.
A Christmas Greeting from Skye
’Twas Christmas at Commonplace, quiet and still,
The staff was off duty—by canine goodwill.
For ten winters straight, this privilege stood:
One day off a year, decreed fair and good.
I granted it gladly (that part was easy),
While desks stood unused and keyboards grew sleepy.
My post, as always, permitted no rest:
Watching for Santa was handled by the best.
Through windows I peered with a vigilant eye,
Ears tuned for sleigh bells far up in the sky.
No reindeer escaped my quality control—
A sniff, a nod, then approval as a whole.
Each Christmas morning, I sent you my cheer,
From my canine computer, dependable and dear.
A paw on the keys, sincere Christmas belief:
Merry Christmas from me, your Canine-in-Chief.
This year I’m still watching—just higher above,
From a place stitched together with light and pure love.
The duty remains, though the vantage has changed;
The job description: completely the same.
I see every memory, tucked safe and sound:
Long runs, chasing bunnies, exploring new ground.
The laughs, the facts, the strange tales you read—
History’s chaos, well tended indeed.
So know that this morning, though absent in form,
I’m close as a thought and steady as norm.
I’d want you to read, to smile, be kind,
To marvel at history’s odd little mind.
Raise cocoa, hug dogs, forgive what went wrong,
Sing off-key carols, hold family strong.
And if Santa comes early or lingers too late,
Rest easy—I’m standing on guard at the gate.
From Commonplace HQ to each of your homes,
Thank you, dear readers, for reading our tomes.
The season rolls on, and the watch carries through—
With love always present, and tail wags for you.
Merry Christmas to all, from this faithful old friend—
Still guarding the joy, now without end.
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