2020 was unspeakably chaotic. Our entire vocabulary changed, and words we’d never even thought about became common. Here’s 2020 in A to Z.

Air hugs

Border closures

Cough into your elbow

Distancing

Essential businesses

Fourteen days…

Gloves

Handwashing

Infection rates

Jammies for workwear

Kids homeschooling

Lockdowns

Masks

No gatherings

Online shopping

Quarantine

PPE

Restaurant take-out

Sanitizer

Temperature checks

Unemployment

Virus/Vaccine

Work from home

Xenophobia (fear of strangers)

Yardwork for entertainment

Zooming

The fact that it only took me a few minutes to complete that list shows how thoroughly Covid-19 invaded every aspect of our society – and every letter of our alphabet – in 2020. I know you are longing for a fresh New Year, just like me.

I want to shake hands without flinching. I want to hug people I love, whenever I want to. I want to get on a plane and have no greater worry than obediently checking whether the emergency exit is in front or behind me. I want to gather a table full of friends and go out to a restaurant and take our time enjoying the evening. I want to make a bonfire in the back yard consisting of just masks! I want to attend regional festivals celebrating everything from blueberries to County Fairs to music. I want to go to writers conferences and industry shows and take a vacation.

I refuse to give up the hope that we can have all those things back, so I am beginning 2021 with hope, confidence and enthusiasm. I’ll get us started on our new vocabulary list.

Anticipation

Begin again

Creativity

Determination…

The rest is up to you.

See you on the other side!
– Becca Anderson