In the years to come, we’ll likely look back at 2020 and shudder slightly as the familiar scent of hand sanitizers somehow wafts right into our prefrontal cortex.
It’s been mostly the worst of times, but we at Gen X are the glass half-full sort, so today we bring you 20 things to be thankful for in 2020.
1. Our frontline workers
We absolutely cannot begin this list without thanking our incredible frontline workers. You guys deserve every good thing and that includes getting the vaccine first.
2. Our delivery heroes
You made working from home a lot more bearable. Thanks for riding through the rain and sunshine.
3. The East Coast Plan
This gem of Deputy PM Heng Swee Keat speaking during GE 2020 will never make us stop laughing.
Bonus video: In his victory speech, a musical interlude starts playing in the background while he is speaking, and…you know what, just watch it.
4. Bong Joon Ho
The year started so well. We praise the Bong for repping Asia by winning Best Picture for Parasite, what an incredible achievement.
He looks so happy here.
5. The Mandalorian
The Mandalorian season 2 has set the tone and footprint in which all Star Wars shows should follow. This is the way.
6. Social Media
In the Covid-19 era, social media has become a little more authentic, a little less stylized. It’s still a curated image, but that image has become more accessible and #relatable.
7. Facebook Groups
Speaking of social media, Facebook groups supporting local businesses have been a beacon of positivity and a great display of community spirit. Shout out to the Covid-19 creative freelancers and Hawkers United group in particular for their support of local creatives and hawkers.
8. The rise of home bakers
It’s a little hard to go keto when there are so many amazing home bakers that have set up shop. Special mention goes to the Circuit Baker, i mean, it’s low-hanging fruit but damn that’s a brilliant name.
9. The rise of “athleisure”
You mean putting on a T-shirt and joggers counts as professional attire? Please let this continue forever.
10. Free Zoom sessions with 40 min limits because honestly why so long
The good thing about the free Zoom plan is that you don’t even need an excuse to wrap up that already overlong meeting.
11. Taylor Swift for blessing us with a double album
Folklore and Evermore are quite the stylistic departure for Taylor Swift, but their ethereal, calming qualities make them the perfect companion in the midst of the pandemic.
12. Some Good News by John Krazinscki
John Krazincski’s Some Good News brought some much needed good vibes into our hearts.
13. Memes
Memes have actually been quite good the past year. @yeolosg, @sgag and even @mothership at times have brought some mirth into our hollow souls.
For the ad agency folks out there, @incumbentagency and @justmediathings have been a source of comfort in shared sorrows.
14. PS5
The latest iteration of the Sony gaming console launched in November, and it looks like a generational leap and an incredible gateway into new worlds and dimension. But no stock aaargh
15. Apple Store @ Marina Bay Sands
The Apple flagship store opened at Marina Bay Sands in July and it looks like a spaceship has landed in the CBD area. I guess paying a bazillion dollars for the AirPods Max means you contributed to the construction of this magnifique bâtiment. Yay?
16. Singaporeans that care
There have been so many stories of kindness and empathy that show that perhaps, Singaporeans are not that self-centred after all.
17. Comedy
In the most trying of years, comedians like Stephen Colbert and Dave Chappelle have been a voice of reason and hope, even, for better days ahead.
18. Among Us
This game created a whole slew of sus memes but beyond that it was good, clean family fun.
19. Netflix
I mean, the Crown, the Queen’s Gambit, Itaewon Class, Crash Landing on You, a whole bunch of movies and TV shows for Gen Xers like Cobra Kai? We’ve clearly gotten a lot of bang for the buck in our $11.98 Netflix subscription.
20. Phase 3, BABY
We’re in the endgame now. Don’t assemble though.
