This will be my last blog post before Christmas so it feels like the end of 2009 already for me. Quite frankly it will be good to see the back of a year that's been such a horrible one for so many in our industry.

I recall the MD of a large print-related business recently telling me that in January he'd said to all of his employees that everyone still with a job - himself included - at the year-end should consider themselves fortunate. I feel that way too. While that's not perhaps the best mindset for one's self-esteem, it does reflect the inescapable reality when so many highly skilled and knowledgeable people are out of work through no fault of their own.

A glance at PrintWeek's list of company administrations makes it abundantly clear that congratulations are in order for companies that are still trading, still providing people with gainful employment, and particularly for those who are managing all that while making a profit.

I hope all PrintWeek readers are able to enjoy a suitably rejuvenating Christmas break, and return duly energised ready to face the inevitable flurry of fresh challenges (along with some of the old ones) that lie ahead in 2010.