It’s time for to do a “year in review” but do we really want to take a look back on 2020? We’ve heard it over and over, “this year will certainly be a year to remember.” The year started out fairly normal with New Year’s Eve 2020 celebrations as friends and family got together to play games, visit, eat goodies and ring in the new year, never dreaming what was ahead. The usual New Year’s resolutions were made and most were broken. But something was appearing in the news, warning of a threatening unusual virus happening on the east coast. February brought hugs, kisses, exchanging Valentine’s greetings as usual. Again in the distance came more news of a COVID virus which came from China and was spreading. All seemed to change as March came marching in full force.

Warnings, concerns and measures were taken closer to home, as the dreaded virus reached the Midwest. It upset our lifestyles. Some wished it away, some ignored it and some took it serious. What happened next was almost unbelievable. We never dreamed of things we’d be having to address. Rules and regulations were handed down to “social distance” in public, stay away from large groups, wear masks, use hand sanitizers and wash hands more frequently. Eventually we were asked to remain at home. It was so hard to distance ourselves from loved ones in the nursing homes.

Schools were closed for a time. Some remained closed for a longer period of time. Call in orders and curbside service were the things to do if items were needed from stores and cafes. As people remained at their homes, numerous puzzles were put together, games played, reading and watching television were the confinement entertainment. With barber shops and hair salons closed for a 10 week period, longer hair became the fashion and without hair coloring done, women had to look at their gray hair appearing and remaining. There were more trips made to the refrigerator for treats and snacks. Many workers were able to do their jobs from their homes, but essential workers were asked to bet the odds and continue going to their jobs. Technology seemed to come to the rescue as computers, tablets, and cell phones were used to do the stay-at-home jobs, so teachers could conduct the online classes with their students, for communicating with friends and family, and for placing orders for those needed items. It could not be explained why toilet paper became a much sought after item and hard to find. So much was changing and so much was lacking.

When meeting someone wearing a mask, the smiles could not be seen and appreciated. Hugs were longed for from friends and family. Even the normal handshake could not be experienced. Somehow waves and using fingers to make the shape of a heart, just didn’t fill the void in connecting with others. Then there was guessing how far six feet is in standing near another. Do we carry a tape measure with us at all times? Never before have our homes and hands been so sanitized. There is the sanitizer spray, soap, hand wipes, pump gels and even a homemade mix. Sanitizers can be kept handy in purses, in the car, on the kitchen counter, in the bathroom counter, wherever it’s needed. Just when we thought things couldn’t get worse in 2020, we had to be confronted with difficult to deal with political and social issues.

The 24 hour television news reports and social media showed riots in cities near and far, business windows being broken and stores being looted. Streets were filled with shouting people carrying signs expressing their beliefs and wishes. Soon there were killings and beatings. We asked ourselves, “What is happening to this country?” Next, monumental statues were torn down and demands were made to take names off school buildings and off of government offices.

Soon the campaigns were on going and a battle for the election of the President. Smearing was done and investigations were conducted. It was almost impossible to get a non-bias news report. Then in the midst of all this, COVID-19 continued to spread. More suggestions and rules were handed down trying to stop the spread. Some questioned on the right way to deal with COVID. Businesses are trying to contend with the COVID regulations and somehow carry on. Schools are trying to remain open and some churches are opening their doors once again. Some never did close. Hard decisions and choices had to be made.

This Christmas was like non other with the social distancing. Warnings were given of little or no gatherings, no traveling and no hugging. The positive side of this year’s Christmas is that it made most of us focus on the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus in Bethlehem.

As we get ready to celebrate the new year 2021, we certainly hope and pray that this year is far better than last year. Happy NEW Year!