This festive season, we get to speak to some of Beijing’s families to hear what the year 2020 has meant to them. Despite the many downs this year has dealt us all, there is always a reason to be grateful. Join us as we count down all the reasons we are grateful for the year 2020. If you wish to be featured in this series, please contact our Deputy Managing Editor at cindyjenkins@beijing-kids.com.
As the COVID-19 shutdown drew on, causing quite a few of these places to shut down temporarily if not permanently, word began to spread about all of the international families trying struggling to keep their respective businesses afloat. That is how the ” Happy Home, Happy Business” series was born – as a way to introduce Beijing families to those among them responsible for the places we hold so near and dear to our hearts.
Like many families who were outside of the country when China closed its borders, the Northcotts were stuck in Thailand, unable to return to their home in Beijing. Seven months, a whole lot of patience and a period of quarantine later, the long-term Beijingers finally made it back.
This festive season, we get to speak to some of Beijing’s families. Some we have featured before, and others not, to hear what the year 2020 has meant to them. Despite the many downs this year has dealt us all, there is always a reason to be grateful. Join us as we count down all the reasons we are grateful for the year 2020. If you wish to be featured in this series, please contact our deputy managing editor on cindyjenkins@beijijng-kids.com.
Navigating the rapids of a fast-moving, ever-changing Beijing can be impossible without the help of the all-important WeChat groups to let you know what’s happening where when and how.
George Floyd’s murder in the states has served as a global catalyst for a movement against systemic racism and police brutality. Societal pressures faced by People of color around the world have been pushed to the fore. Black people the world over are coming out, sharing their experiences on social media platforms, and demanding change.
In the long run, I think there will be even bigger changes such as in customers’ habits and perceptions caused by the re-discovery of the preciousness of our health. I believe that this will influence the food choices in the future leading to more health-conscious and mindful consumerism.
Parents and children alike will have to create a new normal for themselves where the uncertainties of living in a foreign country are met with greater preparedness, awareness, and calm.
For Adam Myott, General Manager at Grand Hyatt Beijing these months of inconvenience and separation are a small price to pay for the world going back to a relative state of normalcy as soon as possible.
For a lucky few empty-nesters, quiet retirement can be staved off by pursuing passion projects. Some continue to work well into old age, meaning their children worry less about them and their financial security.