Where do you even begin to start talking about 2020. Before a GLOBAL PANDEMIC? During? Or on the other side (when we eventually reach it). When every week became a year, when the hours dragged but the months flew, how can you possibly summarise a year like this one?
If 2020 was a film, I’m pretty confident the reviews would read something like this:
A rollercoaster of emotions!
One for the history books.
What an absolute mind-f***. 2/10.
In true form, the year had its ups and down, but on-brand with 2020, they were amplified 200%. One minute we’re feeling the results of grief and fatigue, the next we’re elated and overjoyed. I’m absolutely exhausted.
Our year is probably no different to anyone else’s. We did the Joe Wicks workouts, we made banana bread and we homeschooled like bosses. Sharon found the value in paying for good Wi-Fi and I found out that plants can fill several voids! Looking back, there really were some memorable moments during 2020 – it hasn’t been a complete write-off.
2020
January – March
The year started off relatively well. We started as we had planned to go on. We saw some friends in January and February, I went out a few times on my own, to London and to the cinema, and we spent a lot of time outside enjoying the fresh air of the new year. Half term was fun as we got to see lots of family dotted around the country.
Then March came, which is self-explanatory. Sharon’s hours dropped (as did her wages) and work got incredibly busy for me. With school closures, T was homeschooled, which was tough around our differing work hours. We also had no idea how to teach, with T only being at school for six months prior to lockdown happening.
March was pretty much a blur, and looking back at the photos now – where we’re *gasp* touching things – feels alien.
Our favourite posts:
- An Introduction to Adoption for LGBTQ+ Parents
- A How-To Guide on Creating an Inclusive Social Media Presence Online
- 40+ Things to Do With Your Children When You’re Stuck at Home
April – June
April was then dominated by T’s fifth birthday – the big Zero-Five. With lockdown in full swing, there was no way we were going to be able to do what we had originally planned (*whispers* LEGOLAND), which was a shame. Instead, the three of us had a teddy bear’s picnic at home and made the most out of the day. T was none the wiser when it came to our other plans, therefore he was chuffed to bits with this option.
A month later, we were slowly getting used to our new normal. I was able to focus on more blog work and creative stuff, and in no time it was June – Pride Month! I created some fun LGBTQ+ content and even hosted our largest ever Pride themed giveaway.
Our favourite posts:
- T’s 5 Year Update
- Life in Lockdown
- An Interview with T at 5
- Wholesome Queer Content We’re Currently Watching
July – September
As the weather got better, the phrase ‘socially distanced, of course’ became more and more prevalent. Eventually, lockdown was eased and we managed to get out a little bit and go further afield. It wasn’t quite the same, but we made it work. We didn’t realise how much we’d missed certain basics like grabbing a cup of coffee.
In replacement of Camp Bestival this year, we decided to spend some of the money reserved for Camp Bestival around the home instead. We replaced some old furniture, bought a new rug, and I increased our collection of houseplants! It was surprisingly therapeutic and resulted in me loving my home again.
Throughout the school holidays we made the most of our garden, zoom, and local walks. But, towards the end of the school holidays, we were lucky enough to go glamping as it was safe to do so (socially distanced, of course :D). We genuinely thought we weren’t going to get a holiday this year, so this was a pleasant surprise. On holiday, we made the most out of the poor Wi-Fi and enjoyed some quality family time that wasn’t dominated by schedules and COVID.
Our favourite posts:
- How to Raise Your Child to Be an Ally to Other Communities
Getting Green-Fingered During Lockdown- Our Holiday to Cornwall & Cornish Glamping!
October – December
Out of nowhere the summer was over the T was back at school full time. Starting Year 1 after only six months of real education was quite a shock to the system. Whilst he was excited to start the new year and meet his new teacher, the transition to more ‘serious’ learning was tough. Every day he’d come home tired and it was tricky getting into a routine again.
I’ll be honest, the last few months of the year were a struggle mentally and emotionally. T’s concentration was at its lowest – resulting in a few bad days at school – and as parents we didn’t know what to do. It was a tense time.
We realised very quickly though that because we hadn’t had our normal stimulation at weekends and throughout the year, T was now only getting this at school. This meant he went into overdrive trying to enjoy it all. On top of that, our Christmas decorations went up earlier than planned, which meant T was buzzing throughout the end of November and into December!
Our favourite posts:
2021
I’d like to say that nothing will quite compare to 2020, but nothing is off the cards these days. I am feeling more optimistic, though. With the release of the vaccine worldwide recently and the new US administration entering the White House next year, I can’t help but feel a sense of hope with what 2021 will bring us.
Looking forward, I hope to see more BIPOC communities not just having a seat at the table, but having their own tables (plural) in the room. I look forward to other marginalised communities being more equally represented in the media, and I want to see better quality allyship.
For us, personally, I’m actually excited about what 2021 will bring us as a family. We were able to start properly saving for a mortgage this year and despite a bumpy start, T’s education is going really well. Every day he shows us something new that he’s learnt from school – even teaching us along the way!
If you’ve followed us along this bumpy road called 2020 this year, thank you. We’re always grateful to those who have supported us and been there through the rough and the smooth. We love our little community and appreciate you being with us as T grows. Our comment and DM sections always make us smile. As a blog, we’ve had a pretty decent year, and thanks to you lovely lot it means we can experience and do things we wouldn’t have otherwise been able to do. It’s a wonderful feeling and a privilege to have you with us. Thank you.
Happy New Year. Let’s smash 2021!
