Chloe Reid
Reporter
The year 2020 was known for its many declines, but also its new experiences and unprecedented growth. Ringing in the new year couldn’t have ever given us insight to the experiences the world was about to visit within the coming months.
Known as the year of a mass toilet paper shortage, masks and quarantining, and living in the midst of a pandemic through almost the entire year of 2020 can easily be described as a challenge.
For many people globally, the pandemic was the first experience of its kind, causing confusion and worry for a large percent of the world’s population.
When the first stage of a lockdown was mandated for many states and countries this year, concern and uncertainty struck many of the general population. However, many people took the opportunity of staying inside to pick up a new hobby, learn more about themselves or get out and explore nature, making 2020 a year of developments as well. Most of the world looked forward to events, celebrations of holidays and get-togethers were put to a fast halt after health guidelines prohibited most gatherings of people over a certain limited amount to promote social distancing. That being said, after the many trials and tribulations of 2020, the new year finally arrived, giving many a bit of hope and anticipation for what 2021 will bring.
Despite NYE traditions typically consisting of parties, get-togethers, celebrity appearances and fireworks, the move into 2021 looked slightly different for many people this year.
To accommodate CDC health guidelines related to the COVID-19 pandemic, similar to the routine of other cancelled events throughout the year, any NYE celebrations were recommended to be reconsidered as well. Many people globally had to see their favorite traditions for ringing in the new year change in various ways. For example, both the iconic ball drop in New York’s attendance became limited to healthcare workers and certain “honorees”, and the well known potato drop in Idaho had been transferred to an online viewing.
After most events were transferred to a televised format, streets around the world were left deserted by most traditional activities such as light shows, fireworks and other celebrations. Due to this, the holiday gave off a bit of an odd, lonely feel to participants in comparison to the past decades worth of celebrations. Despite the cancellations, people still found ways to celebrate the holiday in their own way. Between socially-distanced parties to Zoom or FaceTime gatherings, NYE celebrations were altered for many. Even some normal get-togethers still occurred under the table. Stated by the New York Times, Los Angeles still had parties beneath the radar that were being heavily advertised by local event websites.
Even after a majority of party advertisements were removed by event websites, most of the parties were still conducted, for a cost of a negative COVID-19 test. Some get-togethers weren’t as cautious, with many of the parties that were occuring that night being documented on social media nationally, with no need for a negative test, masks or any other precautionary measures, just like previous years. Whatever the celebration, 2021’s NYE’s event cancellations gave some room for creativity in making new ways to celebrate.
The need to modify most NYE celebrations was nothing short of something that was a perfect match with 2020’s many confusions and cancellations. According to a post conducted on The Bengal’s Instagram page, Idaho State University students each had their own ways of celebrating the new year in their own way as well, and making fun out of doing it.
Most students participated in indoor activities this year, such as game nights, parties with immediate family or roommates, or watching the televised celebrations. Bengal Newspaper Instagram followe@meagan_juice said,“I spent NYE doing a game night with my sister and a couple close friends!”
NYE this year brought comfort for many by the ability to stay home, with several responses from students having celebrated by staying in for the night and relaxing with significant others. “I stayed home with my partner & fell asleep before midnight, a perfect NYE!”said Instagram follower, @thinkerton.
NYE for some students was also an opportunity for other celebrations. As stated by @abigail.hayman7 on Instagram, “I celebrated with just me and my boyfriend to celebrate our one year.”
NYE wasn’t celebrated by everyone, and it was a reality for many people this year to continue their jobs or lives as normal. As Instagram user @future_law_person said, “I worked doordash this year.”
Besides 2020’s uncertainties, we can all positively say that 2020 will be an iconic year in history books. No matter how the night was spent celebrating 2021’s arrival, we can all hope that the new year will bring in a bit of normalcy and comfort to counteract everything that the past year has brought.
