Dear 2021,
We have high expectations for you.
2020 has been a challenging year in many ways. You may ask yourself, “Aren’t there always challenges in life?” Yes, but it has been an exceptionally challenging year due to a global pandemic that has rocked everyone’s world.
May 2021 mean no more food scarcities.
Food scarcity has been a real thing at times in 2020, although we are thankful for what we have been able to find. This is more of an issue in specific areas of the country, but even in our area, grocery stores have been limiting the amount of food you can get. This ultimately means more trips to the store for some people. First world problem? Of course. We are still much better off as a whole than other countries.
May 2021 mean going back to school.
People have been staying home more than ever in recent years, and this includes students. Virtual learning has become the new norm, and a lot of people are not okay with it. Children and teenagers need the socialization that school and after-school activities bring. This has been difficult to navigate for many, many families.
May 2021 be the year of more brick and mortar shopping.
“Amazon Prime it” has never been more real. People have depended on online shopping more than ever. However, this has meant that shipping companies are slower than normal, deliveries are delayed, and sometimes they’re more costly. I hope that we can start feeling comfortable shopping in stores again if that’s what we enjoy doing. This is also necessary for the small shops that can’t afford to ship their products.
May 2021 mean normal human interactions.
Can we please go back to hugging our friends or having the common courtesy of shaking someone’s hand? This is especially challenging here in the south. The new way to show manners is to stay a minimum of six feet away from someone.
May 2021 be a year of thankfulness.
Healthcare workers have been the backbone of society during this pandemic. They have worked countless hours and put their own health (and their family’s) at risk. If you know one, be sure to thank them today! And how about those awesome delivery drivers? Grocery and restaurant delivery services have been a huge blessing in 2020. There are many people who cannot get out due to being high-risk so they have counted on these services to bring them food. There are many people we should be thankful for during this pandemic.
May 2021 mean no more cleaning product shortages.
We look forward to no more shortages of sanitizer, Clorox wipes, Lysol, and other cleaning products. These items have been out of stock many times all over the country. And not to mention the countless other items that have been difficult to find. Who knew it would be near impossible to find a new refrigerator when yours goes out?
May 2021 be the year of toilet paper.
Can we please keep toilet paper and paper towels in stock this next year? This has been a good year for the bidet industry, I’m sure. But most people in America don’t want to install a bidet on their toilet. We just want some toilet paper!
The truth is, it has been a humbling year. There are some things we have had to learn to live without, including time together, socializing as we are used to, parties, celebrations, and many canceled events.
May 2021 be a year of healing, a year of good health, and a year of progress.
I know this is a lot to ask, but please be good to us, 2021. We would really appreciate a smooth, healthy, normal year.
Sincerely,
Everyone
