SALT LAKE CITY — As the lights dim on 2020, it has many people reflecting on the strange, turbulent and historical year.
What will you remember?
We asked that question to people out and about in Downtown Salt Lake City on New Year's Eve.
Some say they'll remember spending more time at home, others will remember the roller coaster of navigating a global pandemic.
For many, 2020 was a long, difficult year.
It was filled with a new way of life, contention, protests and politics.
Many worked remotely to slow the spread.
"For me it was great because I got to start working from home," said Arun Bhatia, who lives in the Bay Area. "I normally commute an hour and a half each way."
People said they will remember the government restrictions, and worrying about COVID-19.
"Just anxiety about accidentally infecting people," said Zoe Reid, who lives in Salt Lake City. "If you like hang out with someone and then you find out they could have it."
They watched local businesses and people struggle to survive.
"I think that's the hardest thing to see," said Sergio Calderon, visiting from the Bay Area. "Is businesses, small businesses being closed down and then just losing all those nice little mom and pop shops."
Some people hit the hardest points in their lives, as the worked to overcome challenges.
"I think for me personally it was losing the job," Calderon said. "That was the first time I had ever been let go for anything. And it was just a little heartbreaking."
But reflecting back on 2020, there were good times, too. More time at home, meant more time with loved ones.
"I got closer to my family," Salt Lake City resident Samantha Simpson said. "Because I mean I lived at home for the first part of this."
"I got to spend a lot more time with my dog, yeah," Reid added, with a laugh.
They all expressed gaining a new appreciation for the little things-- like a walk outside, or a night out with a few friends.
"I think for me it's the small wins," Calderon said. "I think that's what a lot of it is made of."
His small win at the end of the year-- being able to take a trip to Salt Lake City to ring in the New Year.
"We're obviously from California, so you know this small trip means so much to me," he said.
Small wins make memories. Memories of how we survived, when we look back on 2020.
