SHARON — Leaving 2021 behind isn’t a hard goodbye for many. With COVID-19 continuing to disrupt lives over the past year, several people interviewed outside the Sharon Trading Post on Saturday said they found looking forward to 2022 much more appealing than dwelling on 2021.

“It’s surreal,” said Miles Stafford of South Royalton. “It’s like a year that didn’t happen.”

Jonathan Kelley of South Royalton directed this sentiment at 2021: “Good riddance.”

“I’m done with 2021,” said Kyle Hatchet of South Royalton.

“Let it burn,” said Steven Dotson of Putney, Vt.

As for New Year’s resolutions, whether already planned or on the spot, some were more predictable than others.

“Be more healthy.”

“Lose weight!”

“Exercise more!”

But some resolutions were more tangible.

Stafford said he and his girlfriend have a joint goal to get more tattoos this year. With five tattoos already, Stafford hopes to keep adding to his collection in 2022. He also looks forward to warmer weather and swimming this coming summer.

Dotson is looking to sustain human connection in his life this year, which he thinks is more important now than ever before. His 2022 goal is to “hunker down, survive, and stay connected.”

Jesse Anderson of Thetford, who like many people had a low-key New Year’s celebration at home, hopes to stay healthy and be able to travel again soon.

“I’d like to spend more time focused on family,” said Kelley, who has young children.

“It all boils down to less talk, more action,” said Peter O’Connor, a Realtor from East Barnard, whose resolution is to be more efficient with his time.

Looking to find more balance in his routine, O’Connor will work on compartmentalizing his schedule. “You don’t need to be available all the time,” he said, noting that he would like to honor his free time in the new year, investing some energy into his hobbies: playing music and enjoying the outdoors.

Dennis Manning of Sharon is saving up for an all-inclusive trip to Hawaii, where he will be able to escape the cold New England climate and give his “bad knees” a rest, beachside. “I want to enjoy life as much as I can,” he said.

Hatchet wants to stay connected with his family, snowboard as much as possible, and find more activities to do after being stuck inside so much through the pandemic.

Looking ahead into the new year, there is hope for brighter days.

“I’m optimistic,” said Kelley, the South Royalton resident. “As long as things don’t get worse.”

Rose Terami can be reached at rosoterami@gmail.com.