Christmas under Covidus Maximus

As the year comes to a close, let us all take some time to remember the ups and downs of the year gone by. Surely, we all deserve to give ourselves a pat on the back for going through, possibly the worst year we’ve ever come to know. We shall never forget the disarray that arose as the world bore witness to the rise of Covidius Maximus. None were spared as millions across the globe lost their jobs; and for most people, their only source of income. The economy came to a standstill and the streets were the emptiest it had ever been.

A myriad of students at Jacobs who have also lost their jobs in the pandemic, flocked to Lieferando for employment as a food delivery runner. Fluorescent orange jackets have been a common sight in the area, on and off campus. The rest were stuck in their own rooms, coming into contact with, at most, only the handful of people they meet on a daily basis. Campus was a safe haven of sorts for many students, keeping the student body safe within its gates, and the pandemic-ridden world out. Granted, it proved a lot more difficult to keep our chins up in the face of so much uncertainty and dread.

Nevertheless, the holiday spirit endured in the hearts of many and provided some solace and comfort in the month-finale of the year twenty twenty. The Interfaith House stood as a bright beacon of light on the quiet campus grounds. A gentle reminder of the Christmas season for those who catch a glimpse of it from afar. Each respective college took to decorating their shared spaces as well. Krupp for instance, set up a Christmas tree outside its Quiet Study Area where many a student have used as a backdrop to their Christmas polaroids. Students themselves did not sit out on the fun of decorating their own rooms and donning cute Christmas sweaters as they gathered and exchanged presents with their friends. This of course, was done with observance of the social distancing regulations, no less.

A troop of winter stilt walkers paid the campus a visit and imbued everyone with a little Christmas magic. They donned enchanting costumes adorned by bright LED lights as they towered over their captivated onlookers. Groups of students followed the trail of music behind these magnificent giants as they made their way to the C3 terrace. It was a sight to behold. What a fantastic way to add some novelty to life here on campus. As per tradition, the students were treated to a hearty Christmas dinner of leg of goose by Apetito, the campus-commissioned catering service. Unfortunately, a formal Christmas dinner reception could not be held this year.

If there is one thing we’ve all come to learn from the year past, it is that one should never forget to be grateful for what one has and for the people in our lives who love us so dearly. Especially during this holiday season where many families were torn apart by the pandemic, we are reminded again to never take it for granted that we may always be with our loved ones whenever we so desire.

In light of difficult times, one must hold tightly, the community they have built around them. It wasn’t easy, but we pulled through, eh? The Jacobs community sends out its heartfelt love and support to its students and staff. We would like to wish everyone a very merry Christmas and a happy new year.

BY Cavan yong (Malaysia) | CLASS OF 2021 & Larissa massamby (mozambique) | CLASS OF 2021