What Got Us Through 2020? For Many, It Was Hobbies, Relationships And 4-Legged Pals

It was an eventful year to say the least. It began with a historic impeachment, and then the global pandemic, a reckoning around racial injustice, a tumultuous election and even more unlikely news.

The events of 2020, however significant, had an effect on everyone. NPR's Morning Edition wanted to know what helped get people through the tough times — and hundreds responded on Twitter.

Some said they turned to writing letters, creating art or starting a new hobby. Others relied on friends and family and mindless escapist TV shows. And many said it was four-legged friends and good wine that got them through.

Sahil Swali from Albany, N.Y., wanted to help people feel connected, especially those who were more isolated. It inspired him to start an online program called Write to Appreciate, in which people could send letters to seniors living in long-term care communities.
"The response has been truly amazing," Swali said. "It makes my day to know that the effort I put into trying to build a website and making contacts pays off in smiles and making people feel less lonely."

Maggie Slepian spent at least 12 hours on FaceTime with her sibling Harry to finish this drawing of an elk.

Siblings Maggie Slepian and Harry Wolfson-Slepian live on opposite sides of the country — Maggie in Montana and Harry in Massachusetts. Both were out of work when the pandemic hit, so they were each looking for something to fill their time.