Happier holidays

By Richard Peters

What a year it’s been. But wait a moment, it’s not even been a whole year since the world changed, at least not here in Europe. While 12 months ago the first cases of Covid-19 were already spreading in China, Munich at the end of last year was its usual festive self: Christmas markets, mulled wine, and laughter.

For much of the year, we’ve been obliged to translate and edit our customers’ corporate communications from home. And the coronavirus has featured heavily in those communications, whether in-house to the workforce or with the outside world of customers and stakeholders. Thankfully, our flexible IT setup has proven resilient in these troubled times, meaning we were up to the task of supporting customers in industry and in research.

It’s almost hard to remember the details of the festive season now, amid lockdowns and loneliness: wrapping up warm and heading out into the chill air to gather with friends and marvel at the bijou beauty of Christmas ornaments and twinkling lights. And then a hearty meal to warm the cockles and off home.

The end of this year will look very different. Germany is in the midst of a hard lockdown, and traditional yuletide celebrations both public and private are out of the question.

We just hope that next year is brighter, that we will once again have the chance to meet with our colleagues and customers in person, and that Covid-19 will eventually fade from prominence once vaccinations become widespread.

In this spirit, we wish you all a well-earned rest over the holidays as well as a happy and above all healthy new year.