BOSTON — As 2020 comes to an end, people are hoping the new year comes with a better outlook on the pandemic. Usually, Copley Square is wall-to-wall people, concerts by Trinity Church and food vendors all along Boylston. But, during a pandemic, the goal is to keep it quiet with no crowds whatsoever.
People milling around the city on New Year’s Eve Day described the year in one word from “unforgettable” to “slow” to “unique” to “unprecedented.”
“It was just awful for everybody, including me,” one woman told us.
The virus has impacted every major holiday this year and now New Year’s Eve.
“Social separation. I miss being around people,” a woman strolling through the Seaport said.
One year ago, Boston 25 was live in Copley Square, where thousands of people were gathering and attending concerts. This year, during the pandemic, it was eerily quiet. Boston Harbor Now did space out ice sculptures and had some limited entertainment in areas where families could safely social distance. Masks were required.
We asked one woman if there was anything positive about 2020.
“I would say spending more time at home and thinking about things that mean the most to me,” the woman said.
A college student also shared his perspective.
“Good memories. Surrounded myself with a lot of important people in my life. Very solid year overall,” the student said.