To simply put it, 2016 sucked. With crises ranging from the rise in worldwide violence to the year's election results, many think that we may be nearing the apocalypse.
Don't let the cons of this year bring you down! Here's a toast to some of the good that happened in the year 2016.
1. Leonardo DiCaprio won his first Oscar.
Does this even need an explanation? It's glorious as is.
2. Child mortality rates dropped worldwide.
As compared to the 91 deaths of a thousand babies in 1990, the World Health Organization's most recent infant mortality report dropped to only 43 for every thousand babies. Though any amount of death hurts our hearts, these statistics show positive results for the future. More bundles of joy in our lives are always a great thing.
3. Global carbon dioxide emissions have stopped increasing.
With president elect Donald Trump's denials of global warming, many of us have been biting our nails in anticipation of what's to come next in the fight against environmental issues. On the bright side, carbon dioxide emissions have stopped their alarming climb upwards. For now, we can all take a breather.
4. The Mall of America introduced its first African-American Santa Claus.
In the midst of all the racial turmoil tearing our country apart. many good things happened this year. One of these was the hiring of the famous Mall of America's first black Santa Claus. After being discovered by one of the mall's officials, Larry Jefferson now helps spread Christmas to many shoppers from across the nation.
5. It's finally coming to an end.
By the time this article is published, only a week will be left of 2016. Anyone sane can toast to that.
If you're still in shock over what's occurred this year, remember that all things must come to an end. Let's just hope that 2017 is at least a bit better than what we all dealt with in these eventful 365 days.