Unlike many things at this time of the year, the news doesn't stop. Countries are still turning red, lost children are being found safe and sound, and Omicron is spreading.
But, there will be plenty of time to talk about that. Today, we're talking about things coming to an end.
The end of the work year for many, the end of your time behind a desk, or at the very least switching off your brain for a while.
Go on, you've earned it. The news will still be here when you want it, Covid isn't going to clear up overnight (maybe it will?).
No matter what you do at this time of year, good job. You made it through 2021, and 2020.
Turn the notifications off if you can, wrap up what you have to (presents or work) and give yourself a pat on the back.
It wasn't easy, but we all got there.
What are your plans for 2022? Big dreams or more of the same? We've probably got a lot to talk about.
Let @johnstonjules know, since today was his last time writing Belgium in Brief. What's he doing next? Follow him on Twitter to find out.
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1. Most of Europe remains dark red on travel map
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control’s (ECDC) map of the Covid-19 pandemic situation, updated on Thursday, shows most of the region as dark red. Read more.
2. Confirmed: No white Christmas this year
It’s official – well, as official as it can be – Belgium will not be having a white Christmas this year. Read more.
3. Flanders is ahead of schedule in booster shot campaign
The campaign to administer a third dose of coronavirus vaccine in Flanders is ahead of schedule, the Flemish Agency for Care and Health and Flemish Health Minister Wouter Beke (CD&V) announced Thursday. Read more.
4. Hidden Belgium: The last relic of Dampoort city gate
The Bistro Du Phare (The Lighthouse Bistro) in Bruges was never a lighthouse. It is the last relic of the huge Dampoort city gate. Read more.
5. Belgian man gets vaccinated eight times at the request of antivaxxers
A 33-year-old man was caught in Fosses-la-Ville, near Namur, attempting to receive his ninth coronavirus vaccine. Read More.
6. Omicron now accounts for 41% of infections in Belgium
The Omicron coronavirus variant continues to spread rapidly in Belgium, as it is already responsible for 41% of all registered infections, according to microbiologist Emmanuel André. Read more.
7. Hidden Belgium: The viaduct to the Western Front
The impressive iron viaduct near the town of La Calamite/Kelmis was constructed during the First World War to carry German troops rapidly to the Western front. Read more.
