By Faten Omar

KUWAIT: As the world gears up to welcome 2023, citizens and residents around Kuwait are preparing for New Year's Eve celebrations with their families or in the open-air desert, for the first time since 2020, without COVID-19 restrictions.

Speaking to Kuwait Times, Ahmad Mohammad said that although this year is coronavirus-free, its psychological effect is still there. "Although we finally receiving a period with no restrictions related to COVID-19 and there is no lockdown, people nowadays are still cagey and communicate less with each other, while some people have become nonsocial and introverted," he said.

"The wonderful social manifestations before the coronavirus outbreak have faded, and I see that many people have not learned from the lessons during the time of the pandemic, so their reality has become worse than it was," he said disapprovingly. Ahmad hoped people can learn from 2020 and receive 2023 with hopes and peace. "I hope peace will come and wars will end, and wish people will be in a better and happier condition, and hopefully not see anyone in need or distress."

As for Fahad Al-Qabandi, the year 2022 was wonderful, as the lockdown was lifted and he began to travel and go out freely. "I was an introvert before the pandemic; I used to spend days inside my home, but after the lockdown, I felt that I needed to explore more and discover myself. I wish the efforts that I made during these years make it through to the future. I really want to see my achievements grow bigger and bigger. Meanwhile, I will celebrate New Year with my best friend and go on a picnic to have food and fun," Fahad said.

Ali Al-Tamimi

Ali Al-Tamimi sees 2023 will be different in many ways. "One of these aspects is that the psychological state of people is stable, so that it becomes easy to release energy now with external activities, unlike the previous years." As for his wishes, he pointed out: "One of the wishes that I would like to achieve is financial stability and to have another source of income, in addition to getting a promotion in my professional life."

Abdel Wahab Helal

Abdel Wahab Helal said: "I do not know how, but in the year 2020, we were closer and more social than now, as if COVID-19 came to bring us together and to introduce us to each other more, and even spend more time with our families. However, I will not deny that with no restrictions related to coronavirus, I became more aware of life's existence."

Mohammad Shbair

Mohammad Shbair is more grateful for having his friends and family around, affirming that the only wish he has is for them to have health and wellness. He added this year the number of families visiting has increased due to the easing of restrictions related to COVID-19.

Eissa Al-Mutotah

"The year 2022 differed from the year 2020 with a lot of things, including gatherings, events and outings with friends, and everyone could go out at any time they wanted, unlike before, when there was a lockdown and gatherings were forbidden due to social distancing. But now everything is different - everyone goes out with whoever he wants, at anytime, anywhere," Essa Al-Mutotah said.

"As for my wishes, as a student, I hope to learn to trade in the stock market and have an extra source of income for my expenses. When I learn more about the trade, I will not wait for my allowance from the government every month. Most importantly, I will be sharing the money with people around me to make them happy. Also, I wish to be the best version of myself and improve my personality. To be honest, this year I'm excited to travel for the first time to Europe, specifically to Spain," Essa added.