As we prepare to usher out 2021 and welcome 2022, we hope there is one topic we won’t be talking about this time next year, at least not the way we have been.

COVID.

Starting with the dark days of March 2020, the virus has dominated conversation. The good news is that we’re not in the same place we were back then, when going to the grocery store – including possibly to pick up toilet paper before it was all gone – was potentially a hazard, and it seemed like the only thing that was remotely safe was going out for walks. Vaccines have been wildly effective in preventing severe illness and death and allowed people to feel safer gathering with their friends and families, going to sporting events, attending performances or just living their everyday lives.

However, we’re not in December 2019, either. Even though studies have indicated that COVID was in the United States by that time, as we got ready to enter 2020, it wasn’t something we knew much, if anything, about. Families gathered for Christmas like any other year and partied on New Year’s Eve, with no idea of what was coming.

This December, the Omicron variant has led to hospitals again being stretched to capacity, caused second-guessing of holiday plans – even among the vaccinated – and created demand for home testing kits

As we make our New Year’s resolutions, let’s all pledge to do everything we can to put COVID as far behind us as possible. That means vaccinations – first, second and whatever boosters are required – and also wearing masks in indoor public spaces and generally trying to make safe and healthy decisions like being sure to isolate if we are sick.

If we do what’s right, and do it consistently, 2022 can be a year of good times, celebrations, weddings, parties, trips, great meals with great company, holiday gatherings of all kinds and whatever else makes us happy … all without COVID hanging over our heads.

No, we’re not in March, 2020, and we never want to be there again.

And hopefully by December 2022, it won’t even feel like December 2021.

Happy New Year.