Greyness of the epidemic is so thick that only few events break through it. Today, on 11 December 2020, a Slovenian spruce will light up in all its beauty in St Peter’s Square in the Vatican. The Slovenian Government financed the purchase of the spruce, 42 additional smaller trees and their transport from Slovenia to the Vatican. The 30-metre-high spruce from the Kočevsko forests is adorned by decorations made in Slovenia, and it will remain in the square from 30 November to 10 January. For Slovenia, this is an opportunity to promote the nation, its forests and sustainable forest management. The placing of a Christmas tree in St Peter’s Square is an internationally acclaimed project of the Vatican whereby the presentation of the tree and the country that donates it attract great public attention worldwide.

The Ski Flying World Championship taking place in Planica is also one of the events that successfully chase away the gloom, although there will be no spectators this year due to the coronavirus and this event, which usually ends the ski jumping season in March, has now been rescheduled for December. Helping to banish the gloom completely, this year's Planica spectacle will be illuminated by floodlights. The tradition of competitions under the Ponce mountains, where the fight for the world champion in sky flying commences today, may be one of the indicators that good things remain to bring us together despite all challenges.