“Christmas Wishes” from Cervus

(Based loosely on A Visit from St. Nicholas by Clement Clarke Moore) 

 ‘Twas the night before Christmas, and the office had quit, 

Not a server was stirring, not even a bit. 

The Tech Team were snoring, tucked tight in their beds 

Whilst visions of dashboards danced through their heads. 

Their stockings were hung by the gas fire with care 

In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.

Our MD in his jammies and dandy night cap 

Was just settling down for a long winter’s nap. 

When out on his drive there arose such a clatter 

That he leapt out of bed to see what was the matter.

Away to the window he ran like a flash, 

Pulled open the curtains and threw up the sash, 

And there on his lawn, to his great surprise, 

He saw an old man with bright twinkly eyes, 

Together with sleigh and eight lively reindeer.

Our clever MD shouted, “Santa is here!” 

He called to St Nick, “Please go visit my team 

And fill up their stockings with the gifts of their dreams! 

This year has been slow, and COVID is tough, 

The work has been hard, and my team’s had enough 

Of Zoom calls and distancing, and speaking through masks 

And using up bandwidth to complete simple tasks.

And although virtual working can be kind of cute, 

We’re fed up with shouting that Paddy’s on mute!

So please, Mr Santa, can you be extra kind 

And give my team presents and time to unwind?” 

The old man he smiled, he nodded his head 

And his eyes twinkled more as he chuckled and said, 

“Your wishes are granted, and your gifts are all here, 

But look hard and you’ll see that you’ve had them all year!

These gifts can’t be packaged or tied up with string, 

But for a growing small business they are just the thing. 

You have awesome people with passion and flair; 

You have products, innovation, and ideas to share. 

And with partners for business in the east and the west 

And collaboration with learning, you will be the best   

At helping your customers protect their front line, 

Save lives and save money and turn out just fine.

So, count all your blessings, be happy and pleased 

Because all that you have is all that you need! 

But I’ll gift you one more that cannot be wrapped – 

I will prompt your good clients to sign a contract! 

And so next year will be merry and busy and bright 

As Hive, Forge and XCALIBR set the wide world alight.”

Then he climbed into his sleigh and picked up the reigns 

And he whistled his reindeer, and called them by name: 

“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now Prancer and Vixen! 

On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donner and Blitzen! 

To the end of the drive! to the top of the wall! 

Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!”

With a rumble and scramble they started to rise 

And our MD then noticed, to his further surprise, 

At the front of the coursers, with magic aglow, 

Were the proud V-shaped antlers of the Cervus logo!

Informing decisions, sorting naughty from nice, 

Cervus’ ‘Santa Analytics’ are providing advice! 

And our MD heard him call as they flew out of sight— 

  “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”