2020 Christmas post
2020 was a difficult year for everyone, it was a year of reflection, change and community as we learnt how to live during a global pandemic.
A lot happened this year not much of it was good, however we have all found a way to cope and sometimes even laugh at some of the odd things that have occurred. A great example of this is how toilet paper became a luxury item due to nation wide shortages, who would have thought? And how masks have now become a fashion accessory with thousands of different styles to go with your wardrobe; now Japan and China can say they were doing it before it became cool.
We have also learnt a lot this year, and I don’t just mean about viruses but also about ourselves and what is truly important to us. Going into lockdown I can remember the mixed feelings of the autism community, I remember people joking how they had been prepared for this their whole life as they thought we could cope without being around people outside our household. I also remember the struggle when our routines were suddenly changed, we could no longer go to work or school, we couldn’t buy the usual brands as shipping was almost at a stand still and we had to start wearing uncomfortable masks as there were no sensory friendly masks to be found. Despite all the difficulties the autism community faced this year we once again showed how empathetic and close our community is, for every problem an autistic or their family faced there was always someone online ready to assist. It is times like this that remind me how lucky I am to be part of such a caring community who is always there ready to assist.
Our community wasn’t the only one struggling this year though, May saw a wave of Black Lives Matter protests break out across the US and the world a result of the death of George Floyd. These protests will be remembered both for their violence with the burning down of buildings and clashes with police during the non-peaceful protests, and for the actions president Donald Trump took which included, sending riot police in to violently break up a peaceful protest outside the Whitehouse so he could get a photo op. Despite these negatives a lot of good has come out of these protests. Companies and organisations have reviewed their policies and their workforce to make them more inclusive and now more people are aware of the police brutality that exists in their local communities. People have begun to share their stories of police mistreatment due to their race which has then assisted in making a change.
I think the best thing to come out of 2020 is the US election results which showed that the US had had enough of Trump’s lack of leadership and action during one of the worst years in US history. Trump will always be remembered, however it’s probably not the way he wanted to be remembered as he has killed millions of people due to his inaction and lack of leadership. He has shown on multiple occasions that he doesn’t care about his people all he cares about is himself. 2021 looks positive for the US as the Biden administration takes over as the most diverse administration in history and I look forward to seeing what they do within their first hundred days.
2020 will be a year to remember as it has changed the way we see the world. It has brought families closer together and it has also taken some of those loved ones away from us. As 2020 draws to a close it is time to reflect and look forward to what will hopefully be a better year ahead. This Christmas I would like to challenge you all to think of those that are finding it tough this year, those that have lost jobs and loved ones; if you know of a neighbour who for the first time is spending Christmas alone, or if you know of a family who is struggling to budget in gifts for their kids perhaps do something so they realise you are thinking of them. Bring some shortbread or cake over to their house, or drop in and say hi this Christmas either in person or via zoom. Let’s make sure everyone is taken care of and is full of cheer this festive season. I know this Christmas doesn’t feel the same as last year however it is important after the year we have had to ensure everyone is doing alright. It is also important to have some fun and crack a few bad Christmas jokes and look forward to what the new year will bring.
With that in mind from all of us here at Bryce Pace – Autism Advocate, we would like to wish you all a merry Christmas and a hopefully happier and safer 2021.
Bryce Pace
Autism Advocate, Blogger, Speaker
